LYNCHBURG, Va. --The No. 17 Virginia Tech Hokies had a tough showing on Tuesday, falling to the Liberty Flames by final score of 8-2.
Junior Ryan Okuda (2-2) got the ball to start for Virginia Tech (19-10) and took the loss. The left-hander went 3.1 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on three hits, allowing one walk and striking out four. Junior Ryan Metz was a bright spot for the Hokies, coming out of the bullpen and throwing two scoreless innings, allowing no hits, with one walk and one strikeout.
Offensively, the Hokies were paced by sophomore Kevin Madden, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a walk. Senior Tanner Thomas compiled a standout day at the dish as well, going 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Freshman Gavin Cross also contributed for Virginia Tech, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies were trailing 7-0 in the seventh inning when they first put runs on the board. Thomas' run-scoring single highlighted a two-run inning for Virginia Tech. The Hokies were unable to get any closer, as Liberty added one run to their tally on the way to an 8-2 final.
GAME NOTES
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 41 Liberty hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out eight.
» Madden led the Hokies at the plate, going 2-for-3.
» Liberty was led offensively by junior Logan Mathieu, who went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs.
» Senior Fraser Ellard led the Flames pitching staff, throwing three scoreless innings.