GAME 1 | NC State 11, No. 15 Virginia Tech 3
RALEIGH, N.C. --The No. 15 Virginia Tech Hokies had a tough showing on Sunday, falling to NC State 11-3 despite the efforts of freshman Cade Swisher, who went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Junior Anthony Simonelli (4-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Virginia Tech (21-14, 15-11). Sophomore Nolan Wilson was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were led by Swisher, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a double, a walk and an RBI. Sophomore Nick Biddison compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Sophomore Kevin Madden also chipped in for Virginia Tech, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies were trailing 3-0 in the second inning when they first put runs on the board. Freshman TJ Rumfield came across to score the lone run of the inning for Virginia Tech and get them on the board.
The Wolfpack expanded their lead to 10-1 before the Hokies offense got back to work, cutting into that lead in the seventh. Virginia Tech brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Biddison's single, which tightened the Wolf Pack lead to 10-3. The Hokies were unable to get any closer, as NC State added one run to their tally on the way to an 11-3 final.
GAME NOTES
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» Virginia Tech went 5-for-11 (.455) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 45 NC State hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Hokies drew four walks from NC State pitching.
» Swisher led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
» NC State was led offensively by junior Jonny Butler, who went 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs.
» Junior Reid Johnston led the Wolfpack pitching staff, throwing six innings of one-run ball.