Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Coming off an impressive freshman year last spring, pitcher Brett Renfrow has continued to bring his A-game for the Virginia Tech baseball team this year. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore has been a strong performer through eight starts for the Hokies (22-10, 9-6 ACC), utilizing a pitching arsenal that continues to dazzle on the mound. As the rest of the season continues, it’s no surprise that Renfrow will be a key contributor to the team’s success.
Before coming to Blacksburg, Renfrow was a member of the varsity baseball team at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, Virginia. The Sharks would lose just three games in 2023, posting a 24-3 record alongside an undefeated 14-0 in the Cardinal conference. Against Western Branch High School on June 6, 2023, the then-senior would pitch a gem, tallying seven strikeouts and allowing only a single run in a 10-2 victory.
After his stint as a Shark in Manassas, Virginia, Renfrow would commit to the Hokies and instantly step into a prominent role. Over 15 starts as a freshman, the 6-foot-3 ace would post a 6-4 record with a 4.92 ERA, flashing signs of dominance with a fastball that left opposing batters walking back to the dugout. Renfrow’s strong rookie season was further exemplified by an impressive 78-32 K-BB ratio over 75 innings on the mound.
On paper, Renfrow’s stats don’t paint the entire picture of how good the rookie truly was in his first year. The lights were never too bright for the pitcher, as Renfrow continually carved up teams at the highest caliber with relative ease. Examples include his six-inning gem against then-No. 7 Duke on April 20, 2024, as he limited the Blue Devils to just four hits over the start in what ended up being a 2-1 walk-off victory. His 10-strikeout masterpiece against Notre Dame on March 8, 2024, was yet another sighting of what Renfrow brings to the Hokies.
Head coach John Szefc joined ACC Baseball Etc., a podcast hosted by ACC baseball analysts Danny Graves and Daron Vaught, to discuss the Hokies earlier this preseason. When asked about Renfrow, Szefc had nothing but positive things to say.
“Obviously, he’s got big-time velocity,” said Szefc. “What’s impressed me the most about him is [his maturity]...he is dedicated 100 percent to putting his body in the best place to be successful.”
As seen in his first bouts as a sophomore, it’s evident that Renfrow’s hard work in the offseason has paid big dividends for the Hokies. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is tied for the team’s lowest ERA at 2.25 (min. 4 appearances) while boasting the most innings pitched (40) of any pitcher on the roster. Renfrow has also tallied 41 strikeouts, a total that is second-best on the team.
Perhaps Renfrow’s most exciting contribution to the Hokies regular season came in the team’s series against then-No. 16 Louisville. In the first of three matchups on March 21, Renfrow guided the Hokies through 7 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing the Hokies to jump to a 5-0 lead in what turned into a one-run Tech victory. Renfrow faced 31 batters and struck out three in what would be the Hokies’ first-ranked victory of the season.
After back-to-back series wins against then-No. 16 Wake Forest and Notre Dame, the Hokies will host No. 9 Florida State this weekend for three matchups at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park. Don’t miss the ranked series against the Seminoles during Hokie Hi Weekend from April 11-13. Be sure to purchase tickets to see Renfrow and the Hokies in action this spring!