BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech Football hosted its second annual Home Run Derby at Tech Softball Park to conclude its phase three training routine.
Student-athletes were split into four color-based teams: maroon, orange, black and grey. Teams competed in a three-game single-elimination tournament to decide a winner.
Each team was split into 29 participants, and every player on the team got three swings. The team with the most home runs after each player's at-bat was deemed the round's winner.
The first matchup of the derby began with Team Black, led by captain defensive tackle Josh Fuga, competing against Team Orange, captained by tight end Nick Gallo. After early home runs from each team by quarterbacks Kyron Drones and Ben Locklear, the black team pulled away, winning 12-7 and securing a spot in the championship round. Gallery: (7-28-2023) FB: 2023 Home Run Derby In the second game, onlookers watched Team Maroon beat Team Grey with a late three home run flurry by kicker John Love, winning by a score of 7-3. Captain quarterback Grant Wells escorted his team to the championship round after defeating fellow captain linebacker Alan Tisdale.
Entering the championship round, the rules changed, as each team had to select three players to bat. Each student-athlete received one minute to hit as many balls as possible.
Team Black chose Drones and offensive linemen Johnny Garrett and Griffin Duggan to step up. Conversely, Team Maroon selected Wells, Love and tight end Harrison Saint Germain.
Team Maroon was named champion in a closely contested matchup after winning 15-10 behind Saint Germain's eight home runs.
The Hokies are set to host Old Dominion in the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can now purchase single-game tickets and reserve their seats for the primetime matchup.
