PITTSBURGH, Pa. --Senior Peyton Alford dominated on Friday, fanning eight Pittsburgh hitters over six innings of work to help lead the No. 22 Virginia Tech Hokies over the No. 14 Panthers 5-1.
In addition to his eight strikeouts, Alford (1-1) tossed six innings, giving up one run on four hits and walking three for Virginia Tech (11-8, 7-6). Freshman Matthew Siverling also made an impact on the mound for the Hokies, throwing three scoreless innings while allowing two hits, with one walk and six strikeouts.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were paced by freshman Gavin Cross, who went 3-for-3 on the day with a double, a home run, a walk and four RBIs. Freshman Jack Hurley put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Freshman Tanner Schobel also helped out for Virginia Tech, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the third inning. Virginia Tech scored twice on a two-run double off the bat of Cross.
The Panthers then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 2-1 until the Hokies expanded their advantage in the seventh. Virginia Tech picked up a run on Cross' leadoff home run off of junior Dylan Lester, which brought the score to 3-1 in favor of the Hokies.
Virginia Tech held Pittsburgh scoreless before building their lead to 5-1 the following inning. The Hokies picked up two runs off of Pittsburgh pitching, punctuated by a run-scoring double off the bat of Hurley. The score remained 5-1 for the rest of the game, as Virginia Tech coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Cross had three base hits in the game for Virginia Tech.
» Alford struck out eight Panthers hitters.
» The Hokies power output was led by Cross, who picked up two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Cross drove in four runs for Virginia Tech.
» The Virginia Tech pitching staff combined to strike out 14 Pittsburgh hitters.
» Virginia Tech grabbed the lead at 2-0 in the top half of the third and never lost that advantage.
» Alford put together six innings of one-run ball for the Hokies.
» The Hokies out-hit the Panthers at an 8-6 clip.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 38 Pittsburgh hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out 14.
» The Hokies drew seven walks from Pittsburgh pitching.
» Cross led the Hokies at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and four RBIs.
» Pittsburgh was led offensively by senior Nico Popa, who went 3-for-5.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.