GREENSBORO, N.C. – After going the distance on Saturday to deliver a series-clinching victory in one of the league's most hostile environments, Virginia Tech sophomore right-hander Drue Hackenberg has been named the ACC Pitcher of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday.
In front of more than 4,600 fans at Florida State's Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium, Hackenberg achieved the Hokies' first complete game victory since the 2019 season (Ian Seymour), setting a career high with 12 strikeouts. Pitching into the ninth inning for the first time during his collegiate career, the second-year hurler from Palmyra, Virginia, threw 72 percent of his 116 pitches (career high) for strikes, finishing the game without issuing a walk, hitting a batter, or surrendering a home run.
Following Tech's outpouring of 24 runs during Friday's rout of the Seminoles – the program's new scoring record during ACC play – Hackenberg was tasked on Saturday with managing a much narrower affair. Upon stranding the potential tying and winning runs in scoring position during the bottom of the ninth inning, the 2022 All-American clinched the Hokies' first one-run victory of the 2023 season, moving Tech above .500 during ACC play for the first time since March 10.
Considering his last three starts – all quality starts – Hackenberg has shoved to the tune of three victories, having combined to allow four earned runs during his 23 innings on the mound (1.57 ERA). Additionally, he has racked up 29 strikeouts while issuing four walks, a testament to the effectiveness of his command.
Hackenberg's complete game win put the stamp on Virginia Tech's first road series victory at Florida State since 2010. After dropping three straight ACC sets to open the season, the Hokies have now played unbeaten during four straight conference weekends (3-0-1), vaulting within two games of first place in the ACC Coastal Division standings.
Following Virginia Tech's midweek outing against James Madison on Tuesday, Hackenberg is scheduled to return to the mound this weekend when the Hokies host North Carolina at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park between April 28 and April 30.
