Burress, Giesler stake Georgia Tech to early lead and Yellowjackets go on to beat Army 4-2

(AP) - Drew Burress and John Giesler each hit solo home runs to left field in the first inning and Georgia Tech never trailed in a 4-2 win over Army on Saturday in the Athens Regional of the NCAA Tournament.

The Yellowjackets (32-24) recovered from Friday’s 9-0 drubbing against UNC Wilmington to avoid elimination. On Sunday, Georgia Tech will face Saturday’s loser between Georgia and UNCW.

Georgia Tech extended the lead to 3-0 when Mike Becchetti singled to left center to score Bobby Zmarzlak in the bottom of the fourth. Zmarzlak reached on a walk and advanced to second on a fielder’s choice.

Army (31-23) reduced the margin in its half of the sixth when Sam Ruta hit a two-run homer to right field that scored Chris Barr who singled through the middle of the infield.

In the eighth, Giesler drew a walk — the fourth in the inning given up by Army — to score Cam Jones for the game’s final margin.

Barr went 3 for 5 for the Black Knights whose season came to an end.