With precision and poise, Georgia Tech senior pitcher Mason Patel is lighting the baseball world up this season. In a series of more than dominant outings, Patel has now notched a flawless 6-0 record with a 0.00 ERA over 20 innings, a performance that has energized the Yellow Jackets’ bullpen and provided a spark for an already promising campaign.
Patel, a 6-foot-1 graduate student from Knoxville, Tennessee, has reinvented his approach on the mound. Once serving as Georgia Tech’s Sunday starter — a role that saw him struggle with an 8.25 ERA in 36 innings last season — he has now embraced a bullpen role that has yielded immediate dividends. His transformation comes at a critical juncture as Georgia Tech looks to build on its early momentum.
“I think it’s fair to say, every one through nine on every ACC team can be someone else’s three, four and five. Going through that last year, and kind of seeing that and understanding that coming into this year, not taking a pitch off, not taking a hitter off, it goes with this nameless and faceless approach we talk about,” Patel said. “It doesn’t matter who’s in the box, it’s you versus them, and you’re going to get them out and give them your best stuff.”
On Feb. 18, Patel made a statement in a road game at Georgia Southern. Taking the mound in relief, he pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while fanning nine batters en route to a 5-3 win. His performance set the tone for what would become a series of efficient and commanding appearances.
A few days later, Patel delivered another gem against Marshall. In a brief but impactful three-inning appearance, he maintained his perfect ERA as the Yellow Jackets secured an 11-6 victory. His ability to shut down opposing batters was on full display as he continuously chipped away at the batter’s box.
“I think our chemistry and our energy is really together as a unit. I think we just have to keep doing what we’re doing — just go 1-0 each day,” Patel said. “We have a lot of goals written on our bathroom mirror that we all look at, personal and collective goals. That definitely helps when you can walk in the facility and see each day, ‘We want to host a regional, win the ACC, we have all these big goals.’ That’s kind of in the back of your mind. You see it every day, and it, you know, it sticks with you.”
That same streak continued during a 16-7 rout of West Georgia, where Georgia Tech called upon Patel for a short, 1 1/3-inning relief appearance. Though brief, his command was undeniable, as he recorded a spotless outing that kept Georgia Tech firmly in control. His most notable early-season performance, though, came against Virginia Tech. Patel pitched 4 2/3 innings in a nail-biting 4-3 win, with his steady presence on the mound in high-pressure moments on full display down the stretch.
“A big thing for me this year has been focusing on my breath when I’m out there and when I’m in the dugout, in between innings,” Patel said. “I really don’t know what happens during the game. I kind of blackout in between innings because I’m focusing on my breath to try and stay calm, cool and collected and not get the heart rate too high because I think that happens a lot. Regardless of age or situation, you can definitely get sped up.”
In his most recent appearance, Patel once again did just that — delivered under pressure, pitching the final three innings while allowing only one base runner to secure his sixth victory in as many outings. Patel now leads the nation in wins (6) and WHIP (0.45) and remains the only pitcher in the country yet to allow a run with at least one inning pitched per team game. He also became the first Georgia Tech pitcher this century to start a season at 6-0 in his first six appearances.
The remarkable turnaround is not just a testament to Patel’s skill but also a reflection of his mental toughness and the supportive environment of the coaching staff. After last season tested his resolve, Patel’s transformation has been a welcome development for the Yellow Jackets, who are off to one of their best starts in recent memory. His perfect ERA over 20 innings, along with a .090 opponent batting average, places him in rare company — he’s the first pitcher to go 20-plus innings without allowing a run since Luke Holman (LSU) and Ryan Prager (Texas A&M) achieved the feat last season.
“Coach [Matt] Taylor and coach [Jason] Richman have done a great job with our staff ever since they’ve been here, preaching to attack the zone with all your pitches. Be confident. When we get to two strikes, we’re gonna try and put them out,” Patel said. “As far as this team goes, this is probably one of the more enjoyable teams I’ve been on because you look at it on paper, we have a lot of young guys. Which, in my eyes, I love it — being one of the older guys —- because there’s a new sense of youth and energy and excitement that they bring that helps everybody bring it every day.
As Georgia Tech continues to navigate a challenging schedule, Patel’s reliable arm is emerging as a key asset. His ability to shut down opposing batters precisely and calmly provides confidence to take on the grueling ACC conference schedule that still remains. With every appearance, Patel reaffirms this commitment: leave a lasting impact on his career and the Yellow Jackets’ season.
