CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The No. 13/17 Virginia Tech softball team secured a Commonwealth Clash point against Virginia on Saturday, defeating the Cavaliers 7-0. Kelsey Bennett also recorded her 162nd career RBI to become the Virginia Tech softball all-time RBI leader.
Bennett hit a solo home run in the top half of the seventh to clinch the all-time record.
Sophomore Emma Lemley threw her fourth shutout of the season on Saturday, giving up only two hits. Lemley (19-3) went the distance for Virginia Tech (31-9, 11-4), giving up two hits, walking one and striking out five.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were paced by Bennett, who went 4-for-4 on the day with a double, a home run and an RBI. Freshman Kylie Aldridge went 1-for-1 with a home run, two walks and three RBI. Senior Kelsey Brown also chipped in for Virginia Tech, putting together three hits in five trips to the plate while adding two doubles and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies took the lead for good in the fourth, scoring for the first time in the inning. Brown's RBI double was the key hit in Virginia Tech's three-run inning. Madison Hanson and Cameron Fagan also added an RBI.
Tech then tacked on runs in the fifth and seventh innings, with their biggest output coming in the fifth when they scored three times. Those three runs came across on a three-run homer from Aldridge that scored Bennett and freshman Teagan Thrunk.
The win gives the Hokies a point in the Commonwealth Clash, presented by Smithfield. The score is now even at 8-8 between the Hokeis and Virginia. For more information, visit vthoki.es/Smithfield.
GAME NOTES
» Lemley tossed a two-hit shutout for the Hokies.
» Bennett racked up four hits on the day for Virginia Tech.
» Lemley struck out five Cavaliers hitters.
» The Hokies had both Bennett and Brown tally multiple extra-base hits in the ballgame.
» The Hokies out-hit the Cavaliers at a 12-2 clip.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Virginia to just 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
» The Hokies drew five walks from Virginia pitching.
The Hokies return to Tech Softball Park on Tuesday, hosting No. 5 Tennesse. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPNU.