Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Two vital home runs in the fourth inning by Jayme Bailey and Mackenzie Lawter propelled No. 3 Virginia Tech softball over Miami (Ohio) 5-4 late Saturday night at Tech Softball Park, advancing the Hokies to the Blacksburg Regional final.
Sophomore Mackenzie Osborne (2-0) got the win out of the bullpen for Virginia Tech (43-8). The right-hander went one shutout inning without giving up a hit. Senior Keely Rochard also pitched well, going four shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out six.
Bailey led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 2-for-3 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBIs. Lawter put together a standout performance as well, going 1-for-3 with her go-ahead home run and two RBIs. Meredith Slaw also contributed, going 1-for-3 for Tech with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Virginia Tech got an RBI single from Slaw, scoring sophomore Emma Ritter from second base.
The RedHawks (40-17-1) then rallied to score four runs and take a 4-1 lead before the Hokies got back on the board in the fourth. Virginia Tech hit two home runs in the inning on the way to pushing four runs across, which brought the Hokies lead to 5-4. The score remained 5-4 for the rest of the game, as Virginia Tech held on for the win.
GAME NOTES
» The Hokies out-hit the RedHawks at an 8-5 clip.
» Virginia Tech went 3-for-6 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Miami (OH) to just 1-for-5 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
UP NEXT
Tech will face Kentucky (37-17) at noon ET in the regional final. The TV network is to be determined. The Hokies will need to force a second game to advance to Super Regionals.
Gallery: (5-22-2022) SB: NCAA Blacksburg Regional Game 3 vs. Miami (Ohio)