ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets broke open a tight game with a four-run eighth inning, pulling away from the Florida State Seminoles for an 8-3 victory in Atlantic Coast Conference baseball action Friday night at Russ Chandler Stadium.

The win improved Georgia Tech’s record to 27-5 overall and clinched the series after a 4-3 win on Thursday. Florida State fell to 24-10.

The most critical sequence of the game came in the bottom of the eighth inning, transforming a one-run contest into a comfortable Georgia Tech lead. Holding a 4-3 advantage, the Yellow Jackets loaded the bases with one out against Florida State reliever Brodie Purcell. Drew Burress walked and Parker Brosius struck out, bringing Mike Lackey to the plate. Lackey delivered the decisive blow, lacing a two-run single down the left field line to score two runs. The floodgates opened when the next batter, Drew Advincula, followed with an RBI single up the middle. A throwing error by Florida State shortstop Cal Fisher on the play allowed Lackey to score all the way from first, capping the four-run outburst and extending the lead to 8-3.

Georgia Tech’s victory was anchored by a strong start from Porter Buursema, who earned the win. Buursema pitched four innings, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out seven. He set the tone early, working out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning by striking out the side. The Yellow Jackets’ bullpen, featuring Caden Gaudette and Dylan Loy, combined for five innings of relief, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.

Florida State’s offense was largely contained outside of right fielder John Stuetzer, who had a standout performance in a losing effort. Stuetzer went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs, accounting for two of the Seminoles’ three runs. His first homer to deep center field in the second inning gave Florida State an early lead. His second, a blast to deep left in the ninth inning, provided the final margin. First baseman Eli Putnam added a solo home run in the seventh inning for Florida State’s other run.

The Seminoles struck first but missed a major opportunity in the opening frame. They loaded the bases with no outs but failed to score after Buursema recorded three consecutive looking strikeouts. Stuetzer’s homer in the second gave them a 1-0 lead.

Georgia Tech’s offense, which produced 12 hits, responded emphatically in the bottom of the third against Florida State starter Trey Beard. After two quick outs, the Yellow Jackets rallied with four consecutive batters reaching base. Alex Hernandez tied the game with a two-run single through the right side. Ryan Zuckerman then gave Georgia Tech the lead for good with a two-run double to deep center field, making it 4-1.

Florida State’s Beard took the loss, charged with four earned runs over 4 2/3 innings despite not allowing a hit. He walked six batters and struck out six. Purcell was charged with four runs in three innings of relief.

The teams will conclude the three-game series on Saturday afternoon at Russ Chandler Stadium.