Preview: Georgia Tech at Clemson in ACC Showdown

CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — Two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s hottest teams will clash Saturday when Georgia Tech visits Clemson in the rubber match of a three-game series at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

First pitch is set for Saturday evening under clear skies with a temperature near 62 degrees.

The series is tied after a dominant performance by the Yellow Jackets (14-2, 1-1 ACC) in the opener. Georgia Tech shut out the Tigers 10-0 on Thursday behind a stellar six-inning, no-hit outing from starter Tate McKee and home runs from Drew Burress and Vahn Lackey. Clemson (15-3, 1-1) evened the series with a shutout of its own Friday, winning 3-0.

Saturday’s matchup features two powerful offenses seeking consistency. Georgia Tech averages 10.6 runs per game, while Clemson averages 7.2. The Tigers’ pitching staff, which posted a 3.86 ERA before Friday’s win, will look to contain a Yellow Jackets lineup that has scored in double digits nine times this season.

A key player to watch is Georgia Tech’s McKee. The right-hander has been formidable, especially in his last start against Clemson where he struck out seven over six hitless innings. For the Tigers, reliever Justin LeGuernic will aim for a rebound after allowing one earned run in three innings against the Yellow Jackets on Thursday. He had not allowed a run in his two appearances prior.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, predicting an 8-7 Georgia Tech victory. However, the same outlet’s ELO rating system gives Clemson a 59% probability to win.

The winner will secure the series victory in this early-season conference clash between top-10 teams. Georgia Tech begins a road trip at Auburn on Tuesday, while Clemson hosts a midweek game at the College of Charleston.