Box Score

Live Broadcasts:  Game 2, Game 3  |  Live Stats:  Game 2, Game 3

ATLANTA, Ga. – Eastern Kentucky nearly got out of the sixth inning down just 2-1 at No. 15 Georgia Tech, but the Yellowjackets scored six runs with two outs on their way to a 12-6 season-opening win.
 
The Colonels tied the game 1-1 in the top of the fifth.  Cam Ridley led off the inning with a single to center and then stole second base.  With one out and Ridley on third, Daniel Harris IV grounded out to the shortstop to drive in the tying run.
 
Georgia Tech had a 2-1 lead with two outs and two on in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Andrew Jenkins lifted a fly ball to center that hit off the fielder's glove.  Two runs scored on the play.  The Yellowjackets added four more unearned runs in the inning on a pair of two-run home runs by Stephen Reid and Jake Holland.  GT led 8-1 going to the seventh.
 
The Colonels climbed back into the game in the top of the seventh.  With one out and runners at second and third, Caleb Upshaw doubled up the middle to bring in both runners and cut the deficit to 8-3.  After a single to center by Brent Lovell, Kendal Ewell followed with a 2-run double down the left field line to make it a three-run game.  A throwing error on a stolen base attempt allowed Ewell to score to make it 8-6.
 
Georgia Tech added four in the bottom of the eighth to put the game out of reach.  Drew Compton hit a solo home run in the frame.
 
Ridley finished 1-for-4 with two runs scored.  Upshaw was 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs.  Ewell had a 2-for-4 day with a walk, a run and two RBIs.
 
Darren Williams started for EKU on his birthday.  The redshirt junior allowed two runs on five hits in five innings of work.  He struck out four and walked four.
 
Reid went 2-for-5 with a run and four RBIs for Georgia Tech.  Starter Brant Hurter allowed one run on four hits in four and two-thirds innings.  He walked three and struck out three.
 
The series continues with game two on Saturday at 2 p.m.