virginia tech ready for one game stint against spartans

Wyatt Krueger

March 16, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After dropping two of three games over the weekend against Florida State, Virginia Tech looks to get back on track in a one-game series against UNC Greensboro on Tuesday.

The Hokies (9-5, 5-4 ACC) lost their first series Sunday against the Seminoles, losing 14-7 in the rubber match after Anthony Simonelli did not start and the Seminoles took advantage of Virginia Tech’s bullpen.

“I learned that when we pitch [well] and play quality defense, we’re in games,” head coach John Szefc said after Sunday’s loss. “I learned when we don’t pitch and we don’t play defense, we’re not.”

UNC Greensboro (10-5) is also coming off its first series loss of the season after No. 13 Tennessee swept the team in three games last weekend. The Spartans are a formidable opponent, however, with a win over NC State and a 23-0 win over North Carolina A&T on their resume.

Last Tuesday, the Hokies started Ryan Okuda against VCU, who only lasted 1 ⅓ innings after giving up four earned runs before Szefc made the move to the bullpen.

Jackson Ritchey will take to the mound on Tuesday for the Hokies. The freshman right handed took to the mound last Wednesday against VCU, giving up three runs in 1 ⅔ innings.

In two games against VCU, Virginia Tech pitchers allowed 19 total runs on 25 hits.

The Hokies have to slow down UNC Greensboro’s Corey Rosier, who posts an impressive 1.148 OPS with 21 RBIs and five home runs in 15 games this year.

This will be the last of Virginia Tech’s nine game home stand at English Field before heading to Clemson, S.C. to take on the Tigers this weekend.