WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. --Four Virginia Tech pitchers totaled 12 strikeouts as the No. 23 Hokies took down the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8-4 Friday.
Senior Jaison Heard (2-0) got the win out of the bullpen for Virginia Tech (17-9, 12-7). The right-hander went two shutout innings, giving up one hit. Junior Shane Connolly also pitched well, going two shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out three.
Freshman Gavin Cross led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 3-for-5 in the ballgame with a home run and an RBI. Freshman Dayne Leonard compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Freshman Cade Swisher also chipped in, going 1-for-3 for Virginia Tech with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the second inning. Leonard's RBI double was the key hit in Virginia Tech's three-run inning.
The Hokies then lost some of their lead, expanding on their advantage in the sixth inning after the Demon Deacons cut it to 3-1. Virginia Tech picked up two runs when a single from Leonard scored sophomore Kevin Madden and freshman Tanner Schobel, which brought the Hokies lead to 5-1.
Wake Forest narrowed Virginia Tech's lead to 5-4 before the Hokies stretched the advantage to 6-4 in the seventh inning. The Hokies picked up a run on Cross' two-out solo home run off freshman Hunter Furtado.
Virginia Tech held the Demon Deacons scoreless before their offense got in gear the next inning. Madden and freshman Carson Jones came in to score the two Hokies runs in the frame, bringing the Virginia Tech advantage to 8-4. The score remained 8-4 for the rest of the game, as the Hokies coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Cross had three base knocks in the game for Virginia Tech.
» Senior Peyton Alford struck out seven Demon Deacons hitters.
» The Virginia Tech pitching staff combined to strike out 12 Wake Forest hitters.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Hokies had control of the rest of the game after moving ahead of the Demon Deacons 3-0 in the top of the second.
» The Hokies out-hit the Demon Deacons at a 10-8 clip.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 42 Wake Forest hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out 12.
» Cross led the Hokies at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run and an RBI.