Duke took the final of its three games against No. 21 Georgia Tech (18-11, 6-6 in the ACC) to avoid a sweep against the Yellow Jackets this weekend.
In the bottom of the ninth and the Blue Devils leading 4-3, Georgia Tech leftfielder Brandon Thomas began the inning with a double and later advanced to third on Sam Dove’s groundout. First baseman and cleanup hitter Jake Davies proceeded to fly out to leftfield, giving Thomas the opportunity to tag-up and score.
Anthony D’Alessandro, a defensive replacement, nailed Thomas at the plate, giving David Putman his third save of the season. Robert Huber and Andrew Hustler carried Duke through the previous 8.1 innings, allowing a combined 11 hits over the course of their three-run effort.
The Blue Devils (12-17, 5-7)fell in both games in Saturday’s doubleheader, getting shut out in both contests.
In the 1-0 first game, Marcus Stroman struck out 12 Yellow Jackets in his 7.2 innings of duty, allowing just six hits and no walks. Duke registered just three hits, however, failing to support their ace, who fell to 3-3 on the season.
The offense’s woes continued in the second game when the Blue Devils notched just two hits compared to 12 for Georgia Tech. Five pitchers combined to allow eight runs for Duke, only four of which were earned with catcher Reed Anthes committing two errors.
The Blue Devils take a break from ACC play with a game against Campbell Tuesday.
—from staff reports
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.