BLACKSBURG – Down two games and looking to muster its first win of the series on Sunday afternoon, the No. 11 Virginia Tech baseball team was unable to match the timely power swings of No. 21 Wake Forest as the Hokies were defeated, 10-4, at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park.
Fifth-year outfielder Ben Watson and sophomore catcher Henry Cooke notched a pair of multi-hit games for Virginia Tech (21-8, 10-5 ACC), which entered the seventh inning trailing the Demon Deacons, 6-4.
Watson batted the RBI single during the bottom of the first inning that – coupled with errant outfield defense – tied the game at 2-2. With runners at first and second base, Watson's bouncer to right field scooted by Jack Winnay for an additional two-base fielding error, allowing Eddie Micheletti Jr. ample time to score the game-tying, unearned run from first base.
Virginia Tech fell victim to three home runs by first baseman Nick Kurtz, who set a season high with seven RBIs for Wake Forest (21-10, 7-8 ACC). Kurtz connected on a two-run blast during the first inning and a three-run shot during the third inning against Tech starter Griffin Stieg, later mashing a two-run shot during the ninth inning that permanently put the game out of reach.
Stieg was charged with the loss, allowing five runs on five hits, walking two batters without recording a strikeout. Brady Kirtner delivered three and two-thirds hitless relief innings behind Stieg, though issued three walks – the intentional one to Kurtz during the fifth inning leading to the Demon Deacons' sixth run.
Tech's aggressive base running decisions during the fourth inning resulted in two outs at home plate that had the potential to shape a tighter ballgame than its 5-2 score line.
Departing second base after his leadoff double, Micheletti was given the green light to score on Watson's ensuing base hit to center field, though was comfortably thrown out by Cam Nelson's clean relay throw to the plate. Despite rallying to load the bases during the same inning, the Hokies tried plating two runs on Clay Grady's RBI single into right field, only to be denied by Winnay's 9-2 relay throw that tagged out David McCann for the final out.
Cooke went 2-for-3 with a walk, beating out an infield single during the sixth inning that helped Tech slide within 6-4. Marek Houston's throw from deep on the left side skipped past Kurtz, allowing Micheletti to score his second unearned run of the day.
Matthew Siverling retired Wake Forest in order during the seventh inning, though was responsible for conceding Seaver King's solo home run during the top of the eighth inning that reinstated the visitors' three-run lead.
Right-hand starter Michael Massey allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits through four innings, receiving the winning decision by meeting his prearranged pitch count. Winnay slugged two doubles inside his 2-for-4 performance while Jake Reinisch doubled during the third inning, helping the Demon Deacons total seven extra-base hits.
UP NEXT
No. 11 Virginia Tech will close its home stand on Wednesday, April 10, against Liberty. First pitch at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Gallery: (4-7-2024) BSB: Wake Forest Game 3