ATLANTA (Interstat) — Georgia Tech erupted for eight runs in the first inning and cruised to a 16-1 victory over Virginia Tech in an Atlantic Coast Conference opener Friday evening at Russ Chandler Stadium.

The Yellow Jackets sent 13 batters to the plate in the first, collecting six hits, including RBI singles from Kent Schmidt, Ryan Zuckerman, Caleb Daniel, Carson Kerce and Drew Burress. Kerce finished 3 for 4 with three RBIs.

Georgia Tech starter Carson Ballard earned the win, allowing one hit and striking out five over three scoreless innings. The Yellow Jackets improved to 11-1 overall. Virginia Tech’s Danny Lazaro took the loss. The Hokies managed just five hits and fell to 7-6.