CHARLOTTE, N.C. --Junior Emma Lemley had everything working on Wednesday, punching out eight Charlotte hitters over four innings of work, but it was not enough as the No. 18/12 Virginia Tech Hokies fell to the 49ers 8-4.
In addition to her eight strikeouts, Lemley threw four innings, giving up two runs, both of them earned, on three hits and walking one for Virginia Tech (18-4-1).
Senior Emma Ritter led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 1-for-3 in the ballgame with a home run, a walk and two RBI. Senior Cameron Fagan compiled a standout effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Junior Bre Peck also helped out, going 2-for-3 for Virginia Tech with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Virginia Tech got an RBI single from Peck, scoring Ritter from third base.
The Hokies then held the 49ers scoreless before expanding their lead in the third inning. Virginia Tech picked up a run on Fagan's one-out solo home run off of senior Georgeanna Barefoot, which brought the score to 2-0 in favor of the Hokies.
Virginia Tech's lead had evaporated by the time the seventh inning arrived and turned into an 8-2 Charlotte advantage, when the Hokies cut that deficit to 8-4. The Hokies added two to their tally on Ritter's two-run homer to center. The ballgame ended with that seventh inning rally falling short.
GAME NOTES
» Lemley fanned eight 49ers hitters.
» Hokies pitchers combined to strike out 12 Charlotte hitters.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Charlotte to just 1-for-11 (.091) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 34 Charlotte hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and four fly balls while striking out 12.
» The Hokies drew four walks from Charlotte pitching.
» Ritter led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
» Charlotte was led offensively by senior Kiyah Garrett, who went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
» Barefoot led the 49ers pitching staff, throwing seven innings of three-run ball.
Click here to support Virginia Tech Softball all season by making a pledge per home run.