The 2018 baseball season was not necessarily a bad one for Georgia Tech, but it also was not a very good one. The Yellow Jackets finished fourth in the ACC Coastal with a 31-27 record. They faced twenty three teams ranked in the top 25 in RPI, and had the twelfth hardest schedule in the nation. In the ACC Tournament, they took a huge blow losing to an underwhelming Pittsburgh team, and lost their second game to the eventual tournament winner North Carolina. A bright side to the 2018 season was that they looked great at home, winning 25 of 35. They struggled on the road, specifically in the ACC. They were 3-12 in conference road games. With that said, there are plenty of reasons why Georgia Tech could have a big year in 2019. Here are a few things to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Great Pitching
The Yellow Jackets bring back what could be the best pithing rotation in the ACC this year. The trio of Xzavion Curry, Tristin English, and Connor Thomas could be enough to get Georgia Tech back in ACC title contention. English was named an All-American for the second time last year after proving to be one of the best two-way players in the game. Thomas had the fourth lowest ERA of pitchers that pitched at least 97 innings, and could likely be the opening game starter. Curry returns after having a phenomenal sophomore season. He was tied for the most wins in the conference with eight. Curry was also named ACC Pitcher of the Week twice in April of last season.
Returning Starters
Georgia Tech could be the most experienced team heading into 2019. They return seven starters from last season. The list includes Chase Murray, Kyle McCann, and Oscar Serratos. The trio of big time hitters contributed to 70 percent of the Yellow Jackets run production last season. Other players also stepped up for Georgia Tech offensively, as they led the ACC in hits last season. Another returning starter is Michael Guldberg, who led the team in batting average last season.
Plenty Of Chances To Prove Themselves
Georgia Tech will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves once the season begins. They will start the season ranked 17th in the nation, and will be put to the test almost immediately. Early in the season, they will have a three game series against the 3rd ranked UCLA Bruins at home. They also have nonconference series against Auburn, and in-state rival Georgia. The Yellow Jackets will also play a difficult conference schedule, as the ACC is tied for the most teams ranked in the top 25 to enter the season. While there will be plenty of challenges, there will also be huge opportunities for this talented, young team.
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