JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- Freshman Gavin Cross put together an outstanding performance at the plate Tuesday, hitting for the cycle to help propel the No. 23 Virginia Tech Hokies past the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 15-5.
Freshman Peter Sakellaris (1-0) got the win out of the bullpen for Virginia Tech (16-9). The right-hander went 1.1 shutout innings, giving up three hits, one walk and striking out two. Freshman Noah Johnson also pitched well, going 2.2 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking none and striking out five.
Cross completed his cycle in six at-bats, driving in seven runs along the way. Freshman Lucas Donlon supplemented Cross' historic day by going 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Donlon also chipped in for the Hokies, going 2-for-3 for Virginia Tech with a home run and four RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies scored in six different innings on the way to victory. Virginia Tech broke a 2-2 tie and took the lead for good at 6-2 in the second inning on Cross' grand slam off of senior Tucker Rogers.
GAME NOTES
» Cross racked up four hits on the day for Virginia Tech.
» Johnson struck out five Buccaneers hitters.
» Virginia Tech got a great power hitting day from Cross, who reached safely with three extra base hits.
» Cross and Donlon drove in at least four runs for Virginia Tech.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed five runs across.
» The Hokies had control of the rest of the game after jumping ahead of the Buccaneers 6-5 in the top of the second.
» Five Hokies had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hokies had a total of 15 hits.
» The Hokies out-hit the Buccaneers at a 15-10 clip.
» Virginia Tech went 7-for-20 (.350) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 43 East Tennessee State hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out 11.
» The Hokies drew four walks from East Tennessee State pitching.
» Cross led the Hokies at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a double, a triple, a home run and seven RBIs.
» East Tennessee State was led offensively by senior David Beam, who went 2-for-2 with an RBI.
» Senior Matthew Mercer led the Buccaneers pitching staff, throwing one scoreless inning.