The Bowling Green State University baseball team began its 2026 season with a game against Georgia Tech, a program ranked in the top five nationally. The matchup took place Friday night in Atlanta and ended with an 11-5 win for Georgia Tech, putting Bowling Green at 0-1 to start the year.
Sam Seidel was a standout for Bowling Green, hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning—his first of the season. He also contributed a double, two walks, two stolen bases, and scored another run. Anthony Mitta and Pauly Mancino each had multi-hit games during their first appearances for BGSU. On the pitching side, four different players saw action for Bowling Green, with CJ Boudreaux finishing the game by pitching a scoreless inning and recording two strikeouts.
The teams played through two scoreless innings before Georgia Tech opened scoring in the third with an inside-the-park home run. They added another run later that inning to take a 2-0 lead. Seidel responded quickly for Bowling Green with his home run early in the fourth inning. However, Georgia Tech extended their advantage soon after with a three-run homer.
Bowling Green managed to cut into Georgia Tech’s lead several times throughout the game but could not overcome it. In addition to Seidel’s performance, Vinny Salvione drove in a run during his debut while Cooper McKenzie scored once and Brady Birchmeier continued his streaks for both hits (now at eight games) and reaching base (now at ten games). Titus Lotz provided relief out of the bullpen with three strikeouts among five outs recorded.
The Falcons’ five runs were their highest total in a season opener since they scored eight against Middle Tennessee State in 2024. It was also their best offensive output against a ranked opponent since scoring six runs versus No. 8 Tennessee on March 3, 2024.
Bowling Green will face Georgia Tech again Saturday for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., following schedule adjustments due to weather or other factors. Updates will be available on BGSUFalcons.com and via social media platforms including Twitter/X (@BGSU_Baseball).
“Sam Seidel had himself a day for the Orange and Brown, logging the team’s first home run of the season, the team’s first double of the season and the team’s first stolen base of the season.”
“Multiple Falcons made their BGSU debuts in the game, including Pauly Mancino, Anthony Mitta and Vinny Salvione in the starting lineup.”
