For the second week in a row, the Virginia Tech baseball team hosted a top-five, nationally-ranked opponent in Georgia Tech.
After two lopsided losses to No. 1 North Carolina last weekend, the Hokies played the No. 3 Yellow Jackets close all weekend.
On Friday, Virginia Tech (13-8, 2-6 ACC) went into the ninth inning with a 9-4 lead behind a solid seven inning effort from redshirt senior pitcher Rhett Ballard.
Junior Ben Rowen started the ninth for the Hokies, and the Georgia Tech (16-2, 6-1) bats finally woke up. Bowen recorded only one out before the Yellow Jackets rattled off four runs on four hits.
Regular closer Jesse Hahn came in to stop the bleeding, but he then walked one and gave up the game-winning home run to Georgia Tech third-basemen Matt Skole, ultimately proving to be the difference in a 10-9 Virginia Tech setback.
Saturday proved to be a better outing for the Hokies.
Freshman Matthew Price pitched 6.2 innings and allowed five runs, though only one was earned.
The Virginia Tech bats were led by catcher Anthony Sosnoskie and third baseman Ronnie Shaban, who each picked up three RBIs in the 9-5 victory.
Tech continued to hit well on Sunday, but five errors and Georgia Tech's offensive outburst was too much. The Yellow Jackets scored in eight of nine innings, and the Hokies dropped the rubber game by a score of 18-8.
Tech will be at home again Tuesday to play USC Upstate at 5:30 p.m.
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