Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – No. 11/12 Virginia Tech (31-5, 7-3 ACC) fell to Clemson (25-13, 7-6 ACC) in the series opener, 4-2, on Thursday night at Tech Softball Park.
The Hokies outhit the Tigers but were unable to rally back after trailing 3-0 in the top of the second.
How It Happened
Tech threatened right away in the bottom of the first inning, but left runners on the corners in a scoreless first frame.
Clemson struck first in the top of the second after capitalizing on a Virginia Tech miscue and a walk, launching a three-run home run to left field to take a 3-0 lead.
Tech punched back right away with two runs of its own to cut the deficit to one in the bottom of the second. After back-to-back singles from Kylie Aldridge and Gaby Mizelle, Annika Rohs hit a grounder to shortstop to score Aldridge. With runners on first and second, Jordan Lynch singled to right center to bring Addison Foster home.
The Tigers scored again in the top of the fourth off an RBI single through the left side.
Tech attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh. Lynch doubled to center field with one out, but the Hokies were unable to tie the game.
Game Notes
• Tech improves to 7-6 in all-time matchups against Clemson
• Tech outhit its opponent for the 34th time out of 36 games
• Gaby Mizelle tied her career-high three hits
• Jordan Lynch and Annika Rohs each recorded an RBI
• Emma Mazzarone allowed just four hits in her sixth complete game of the year
Up Next
The No. 11/12 Hokies (31-5, 7-3 ACC) continue the series against Clemson (25-13, 7-6 ACC) on Friday at 6 p.m. at Tech Softball Park. The game will be televised on ACC Network Extra.