LOUISVILLE, Ky. (theACC.com) – Georgia Tech’s Blake Neleman pitched her first career no-hitter, and the fifth-ever in Atlantic Coast Conference Championship history, as the No. 9 seeded Yellow Jackets shut out No. 8 Syracuse 6-0 in the first 2021 ACC Softball Championship game.
 
Georgia Tech (20-25) struck first, with leadoff hitter Breanna Roper hitting a solo bomb down the right field line.
 
Syracuse (20-24) got Gabby Teran on base after she was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the second but were unable to drive her home. Teran also got on base in the fourth inning due to a fielding error but couldn’t score.
 
The Yellow Jackets broke open the game in the top of the sixth frame, scoring five runs. Shortstop Jin Sielo, designated player Kennedy Cowden and third baseman Mallorie Black all walked, then Roper singled through the right side to drive in two runs. Catcher Emma Kauf hit a triple down the left field line, scoring Roper and Black. First baseman Tricia Awald reached base on a walk, and center fielder Crosby Huckabay singled down the right field line to score Kauf.
 
Neleman finished the game with nine strikeouts in seven innings, earning her 12th win of the season. Alexa Romero was tagged for the loss, giving up six runs on five hits and walking nine to move her record to 9-10.
 
Georgia Tech advances to face No. 1 Clemson in tomorrow’s 11 a.m. quarterfinal.
 
ACC fans will be able to watch all nine games of the ACC Championship. The first three rounds will be broadcast on ACC Network, and ESPN will carry the championship game.