The Atlanta Challenge 2019 began for the Jackets with familiar foe Illinois-Chicago visiting Russ Chandler for a single game. Xzavion Curry continued as the Friday starter for his third straight year, having previously pitched 14 innings of shutout ball against the Flames in 2017 and 2018. He went against RHP Jacob Key and finally give up runs to them but still got the win.
The story of the game was strong pitching by both teams punctuated by an inning of impressive power by the Jackets. The bottom of the third saw the breakout by Tech. With one out, McCann homered to dead center; next batter English walked and was pushed around by Murray going deep to left.