Hokie ClubCLEMSON, S.C. -- The No. 6 Virginia Tech Hokies completed the series sweep of the No. 14/9 Clemson Tigers, taking game three of the series 4-2. Tech is now 3-0 in ACC play and 14-3 overall. Clemson falls to 12-6.
The game was scoreless through the sixth inning when junior Morgan Overaitis broke it open with a three-run pinch-hit home run. Freshman Bre Peck also singled in the seventh to add an insurance run.
Senior Keely Rochard got the start in the circle, striking out 11, her seventh double-digit strikeout game of the season. In addition to her 11 strikeouts, Rochard (8-2) tossed six innings, giving up one run on four hits and walking two for Virginia Tech. Freshman Emma Lemley came in to throw the seventh inning, giving up one run on one hit and earning her first save of the season.
At the plate, the Hokies were led by Overaitis, who went 1-for-1 on the day with a home run and three RBIs. Sophomore Addy Greene got the start as designated player, going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk. Peck also contributed for Virginia Tech, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got on the scoreboard first, starting in the sixth inning. Virginia Tech scored three times, all of them coming across on a three-run homer off the bat of Overaitis.
The Hokies lead was cut to 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth before they expanded on their advantage in the seventh inning. Virginia Tech scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Peck, which brought the Hokies lead to 4-1. Clemson put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Virginia Tech still held on for the 4-2 win.
GAME NOTES
» Rochard struck out 11 Tigers hitters.
» The Virginia Tech pitching staff combined to strike out 13 Clemson hitters.
» The Hokies out-hit the Tigers at a 7-5 clip.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Clemson to just 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
» Overaitis led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and three RBIs.
» Clemson was led offensively by sophomore Valerie Cagle, who went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.