Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech used a five-run sixth inning to end a see-saw battle for the lead and earn an 11-8 non-conference baseball win over Rider University at English Field on Tuesday night.
Tech needed just three hits to produce its five runs in the decisive sixth inning. The Hokies were also the beneficiaries of two walks, two hit batters and two wild pitches during the frame. A two-run single by first baseman Austin Wates gave Tech the lead for good after second baseman Michael Seaborn scored the first run of the inning on a wild pitch. Catcher Anthony Sosnoskie and Seaborn were both hit by pitches later in the inning to force runs home.
The win upped the Hokies’ season mark to 13-4, while the visiting Broncs fell to 5-7. Tech finished with 10 hits in the win, with Wates and Seaborn providing two hits and three RBIs apiece. The Hokies also got a pair of hits from center fielder Sean Ryan. Rider got two hits and three RBIs from designated hitter Steve Galella. Second baseman A.J. Albee also had two hits in the Broncs’ eight-hit attack.
Tech reliever Brandon Fisher earned his first career win with two innings of work. The redshirt junior right-hander allowed a hit and an unearned run, while posting three strikeouts. Ben Rowen pitched the last three innings, a career high, to earn his second save of the year. The senior submariner also tied a career-best with four strikeouts.
Rider took advantage of early control problems by Tech freshman pitcher Patrick Scoggin to plate three runs in the first inning. Scoggin walked four of the first five batters he faced, forcing home a run with his free pass to Rider left fielder Nick Wojnowski. A two-out single by designated hitter Steve Galella produced the other two runs in the inning.
A pair of doubles and a Rider fielding error helped the Hokies respond quickly with four runs in the bottom of the first. Right fielder Steve Domecus opened the Tech half of the inning with a double and Ryan followed with sacrifice bunt that was misplayed, allowing him to reach base safely. After Wates walked to load the bases, Domecus came home on a grounder to second by shortstop Tim Smalling. Third baseman Ronnie Shaban smacked a two-run double and Seaborn added a sacrifice fly to round out the scoring.
Tech took a 5-3 lead an inning later when Seaborn singled in Sosnoskie, who had reached on a double. Tech’s advantage was erased an inning later when the Broncs scored twice to even the count.
The Hokies regained the lead on an RBI-single by Wates in the fourth, only to see Rider put three runs on the board in the fifth for an 8-6 edge. Galella drove in the tying run, while the other runs scored on a Tech fielding error and a groundout by right fielder Karl Johnston.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again Wednesday night at 5:30. The game will close out a 12-game homestand for the Hokies.