Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Rushing out to the 4-0 lead during the first inning on Friday, the Virginia Tech baseball team was unable to slow the pesky bats of Wright State as the Hokies suffered their first loss of the season, 11-5, at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park.
Four batters into Tech's first offensive frame, fifth-year second baseman Eduardo Malinowski guided his team leading, fifth home run of the season over the left field fence, spotting Virginia Tech (7-1) the early 3-0 advantage. Jack Hurley kept Tech's opening rally alive by stealing second base after his five-pitch walk, scoring on Sam Tackett's RBI single that padded the Hokies' lead.
Wright State (1-6) responded immediately with five straight singles against Tech starter Griffin Green, tying the game at 4-4 as the Hokies turned a 6-4-3 double play. Zane Harris followed with an RBI double for the Raiders' sixth hit of the inning, leaving the visitors in front, 5-4, through an inning and a half.
Green's day ended two pitches into the third inning after hitting Luke Arnold, who later came around to score on Andrew Patrick's sacrifice fly.
Tech was kept hitless until the fifth inning when sophomore shortstop Tanner Schobel beat out an infield single to his position, opening the door for the Hokies to undo their 6-4 deficit. After Hurley had singled to move Schobel over – extending his hitting streak to eight consecutive games – Tech managed to squeeze a run back, turning a wild pitch and an RBI groundout by Cade Hunter into its fifth run of the day.
However, Wright State's Gehrig Anglin answered with a two-run, sixth-inning home run off Henry Weycker, upping the Raiders' lead to 8-5.
Tech was silenced in order by Garret Simpson during the sixth and seventh innings before Wright State plated three eighth-inning runs against the Hokies' bullpen. Simpson commanded four strikeouts across four and two-thirds innings of relief, keeping the Hokies to a run and three hits while earning the victory.
All but four of the Raiders' 19 hits on Friday were singles while eight starters recorded multiple hits. Tech reliever Graham Firoved tallied six strikeouts during his three and two-thirds innings of relief, though was charged for five runs, all earned.
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will look to bounce back against Wright State during the series' middle game on Saturday, March 5. First pitch at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Gallery: (3-4-2022) BSB: Wright State Game 1