CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Pitcher Keely Rochard was called on again to start against Virginia on Saturday, helping to push the Virginia Tech softball team to a 6-0 victory in the second game of a three-game Commonwealth Clash series at Palmer Park.
The Hokies' (18-4, 2-0 ACC) ace, Rochard (13-3), started her second straight game of the series, throwing seven strikeouts and allowing just one walk against the Cavaliers (8-11, 0-5). Rochard threw another complete game on Saturday, her 13th of the season.
With the win, Tech clinches the series and picks up a full point in the Commonwealth Clash (more below).
QUOTING ROCHARD
"I was mixing my pitches really well," Rochard said. "The defense was super good today and we just stuck to our plan."
THE GAME
The Hokies had just five hits on the day, but were able to take advantage of errors from the Cavaliers' defense. Tech scored two runs in the fourth inning following a hit by pitch and a throwing error. Kelsey Bennett doubled down the third base line to bring in both runners.
Tech scored four more runs on four hits in the following innings. Kelsey Brown, Grace Chavez, and Olivia Lattin all collected a hit today. Maddi Banks collected two hits herself in the win.
NOTES
- Rochard has now thrown 36 complete games in her career.
- Brown now has 28 hits on the season and sits at a .346 AVG.
- Banks moved her hit total up to 16 with her two hits in the win versus Virginia.
UP NEXT
The Hokies will take on the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Commonwealth Clash on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted on ACC Network Extra.
COMMONWEALTH CLASH
Virginia leads the Commonwealth Clash presented by Virginia529, 7.5-6.5. Virginia529 is the official college savings plan of Virginia Tech Athletics and the University of Virginia Athletics. To learn more about Virginia529 and the competition, visit www.thecommonwealthclash.com.Gallery: (3/7/2020) 2020 SOFTBALL AT UVA GAME 2
