TEMPE, AZ --Freshman Emma Mazzarone and junior Emma Lemley combined to throw a shutout on Sunday as the No. 21/17 Virginia Tech Hokies blanked the Illinois State Redbirds 6-0.
Mazzarone (2-1) started and picked up the win for Virginia Tech (7-2-1), going four shutout innings while giving up three hits, walking three, and striking out two. Lemley was dealing out of the bullpen as well, going three shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking two and striking out six.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were led by senior Cameron Fagan, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Sophomore Kylie Aldridge compiled a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. Senior Emma Ritter also contributed for Virginia Tech, putting together one hit in one trip to the plate, a home run.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies took the lead for good in the first, scoring for the first time in the inning. Ritter put Virginia Tech on the board with a lead-off home run off sophomore Hannah Meeks.
The Hokies then tacked on runs in the second inning when they scored five times, thanks to an Addy Greene RBI and home runs from Aldridge and Fagan.
GAME NOTES
» Mazzarone and Lemley combined to throw a three-hit shutout.
» Lemley struck out six Redbirds hitters.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed five runs across.
» Virginia Tech grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» Virginia Tech hitters hit three home runs in the ballgame.
» The Hokies out-hit the Redbirds at a 5-3 clip.
» Virginia Tech went 3-for-5 (.600) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 27 Illinois State hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and three fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Hokies drew five walks from Illinois State pitching.
» Fagan led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
» Illinois State was led offensively by senior Madi Bylak, who went 2-for-3.
» Freshman Paige McLeod led the Redbirds pitching staff, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings.
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