BLACKSBURG – Hammering seven home runs including three multi-homer games against Marist (March 12) and at Louisville (March 16-17), Virginia Tech junior third baseman Carson DeMartini was nearly the consensus choice as the nation's best collegiate hitter last week, reining in high praise from the ACC and many of the sport's leading publications.
Seven of DeMartini's nine hits cleared the fence, earning the Hokies' corner infielder national accolades as D1Baseball Player of the Week, Perfect Game National Player of the Week and Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger of the Week. Scoring nine runs and tallying 11 RBIs, he was also named ACC Player of the Week, marking his first career selection within the conference.
DeMartini began his week strong, homering twice within his first three plate appearances inside Virginia Tech's dominant, 20-2 win against Marist. The left-handed slugger contributed to Tech's record-setting day at the plate, during which five players combined to mash eight home runs – the most the "Hammerin' Hokies" have amassed during a game since joining the ACC.
At Louisvlle, the junior continued to flex his power, hammering five home runs during Tech's two series-clinching victories, including three during his first three at-bats of Sunday's 8-1 win.
On Monday, DeMartini's 12 home runs this season ranked in a tie for the fourth most among NCAA Division I players. Seven of his 12 homers have been earned during the past two ACC weekends, where he has also chalked five mulit-hit games.
"He can do some special things," said Virginia Tech head coach John Szefc. "There are certain guys who can just do things others can't do and he is one of them."
DeMartini came out of play at Louisville with a seven-game hitting streak that had dated back to March 8. Including Tuesday's 14-4, run-rule victory against ETSU, the pride of Virginia Beach, Virginia, ranks seventh nationally in slugging percentage (.931) and in a tie for 16th in runs scored (32).
The clear catalyst in Virginia Tech's lineup, DeMartini's prowess excels on both sides of the ball, making him an entertaining watch on the national stage.
"Hopefully people recognize that and come and watch this guy play before he is playing in Yankee Stadium one day," added Szefc.
With DeMartini's selection, Virginia Tech has witnessed two sluggers collect D1Baseball Player of the Week praise spanning as many seasons. He follows Jack Hurley, who was named in April 2023.
DeMartini continues to add to his collegiate trophy case, which includes recognition as a consensus Freshman All-American in 2022 and placement on the 2023 All-ACC Third Team.
Virginia Tech treks north this weekend to open a three-game ACC series at Boston College (March 22-24).