Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – With big run-scoring plays like sophomore Sam Grube’s grand slam during the fifth inning on Wednesday, the Virginia Tech baseball team capitalized on a string of second chances offered by VCU as the Hokies won a back-and-forth, high-scoring contest against the Rams, 11-8, at English Field.
On two occasions – during the fourth and sixth innings – Virginia Tech (10-9) took advantage of two-out errors committed by VCU (11-9) that left the door ajar for the home side to barge through and plate multiple runs.
Alec Warden’s errant throw on a 4-3 fielding sequence during the fourth inning blew up on VCU two batters afterward when Grube hammered his first career grand slam to left field, dinging the visitors for four unearned runs. Two innings later, the Rams had their ticket out of the sixth inning rescinded when Hudson Lutterman’s fly ball was dropped by their retreating shortstop, Dante DeFranco, resulting in the bases-clearing gaffe that put the Hokies in front permanently, 9-5.
In total, VCU’s miscues led to seven unearned runs, accounting for more than double the margin of victory.
Virginia Tech was treated to two scoreless innings and four strikeouts from starter Chase Swift, who departed the game unexpectedly due to injury while warming up to throw the third inning. Swift had been ready to take the mound with the lead for the first time after Hudson Lutterman had broken the scoring during the previous inning, hammering a leadoff homer to left field for his fifth home run of the season (team high).
Thrown into the game early, left-hander Josh Berzonski worked comfortably during the third inning before falling into trouble during the fourth inning. There, two-RBI singles by Teige Lethert (off Berzonski) and Nick Flores (off Luke Craytor) rushed the Rams out to the 4-1 lead before their first major betrayal on defense.
At first, Virginia Tech appeared to lack an immediate response during the bottom of the fourth inning, unable to provide more spark behind Pete Daniel’s infield single. Owen Petrich’s two-out grounder up the middle and into the shift was marked as the inning’s final out until Warden’s ensuing throw pulled first baseman Quinn Maher off the bag, allowing Petrich to dodge the swipe-tag and reach safely.
Treyson Hughes drew a five-pitch walk that upped ante for reliever Dawson Newman, who after seeing his way out of the inning, had to face Grube and the top of the Hokies’ lineup. On a 1-1 pitch from Newman,
Grube turned and lined his third home run of the season into the left field netting, single-handedly matching the visitors’ four-run inning with one mighty swing of the bat.
Michael Petite brought VCU level at 5-5 during the top of the fifth inning, powering the game-tying, solo home run to left center field against Craytor. However, Virginia Tech went back to work during the bottom of the sixth inning, loading the bases for Nick Locurto, who drew a six-pitch walk – the third free pass of the inning – to bring Petrich home as the go-ahead run.
After VCU had dipped back into its bullpen, left-hander Cade Dressler collected the first of two outs needed to squash the rally, inducing a first-pitch popup from Sam Gates that was ruled an infield fly in shallow center field. From there, Dressler appeared to finish the job by inducing a second fly ball against Lutterman, only to have it misplayed and dropped by DeFranco for a three-run error.
Virginia Tech experienced its first slip up during the seventh inning when a dropped line drive by Petrich at third base invited VCU to score three runs and slide within 9-8. Aiden Robertson was on the hook for three runs (one earned), allowing four hits through two-thirds innings pitched.
Preston Crowl entered during the eighth inning to convert his third consecutive save opportunity, picking up the game’s final six outs. Willie Hurt and Daniel added RBI singles as insurance during the eighth inning, setting the final score at 11-8.
Daniel led Virginia Tech with his 3-for-5 afternoon – his first three-hit performance in Virginia Tech colors. On the mound, the Hokies’ arms combined to record 12 strikeouts while issuing two walks.
Five VCU players notched multiple hits for the Rams, who collectively finished with 12 hits.
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will open a three-game ACC series against Duke at English Field on Friday, March 20. Game times between the Hokies and the Blue Devils are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday (March 21) and 1 p.m. on Sunday (March 22).