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Josh Collier
Staff Writer
March 10, 2024
Eddie Micheletti hit two home runs in Virginia Tech's 11-8 win over Notre Dame. (Virginia Tech Athletics)
BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech baseball (11-3, 3-0 ACC) defeated Notre Dame (9-5, 0-3) 11-8 Sunday afternoon to complete a series sweep against the Fighting Irish. This marks the first time in program history that the Hokies have started the season with a 3-0 record in the ACC.
“It’s hard to sweep anybody,” Tech head coach John Szefc said. “It’s certainly hard to sweep in inner-conference play.”
Not only did Tech do just that, but it also earned its first series win over Notre Dame since 2014.
The Hokies had a great batting day and series, as they totalled nine home runs in this series which marked a season-high. Sunday’s effort of four homers was led by the left-handed hitter Eddie Micheletti, who slugged two home runs in the victory.
This game was, by some means, an unusual one. It was roughly 40 degrees with strong winds for the majority of the game, which certainly played a factor. But Virginia Tech went through seven different pitchers Sunday due to some unsteady performances beginning when they took out starter Griffin Stieg.
Stieg threw three strikeouts through the first five innings, allowing the Hokies to get off to a 5-1 start before he was relieved. Over the course of the following four innings, Tech tried six different pitchers which led to a near-comeback for the fighting Irish late in the game.
The top of the ninth was scary hours for the Hokies, as they went into it leading 11-4, switched pitchers three separate times during and allowed four homers, leaving two on base. Thankfully for Tech, relief pitcher Jordan Little was able to deliver when he came in during the final inning.
“Little might’ve found himself right there,” Szefe said. “I give him a lot of credit, he came into a messy situation and cleaned it up pretty quick.”
Little was called into a 11-7 ballgame in the top of the ninth with two bases loaded and no outs. After allowing one final run, he then struck out two batters before inducing a groundout to wrap it up and save the day for the Hokies.
Despite the circumstances, Tech still came out with the win to finish off the series sweep and set themselves up in a good position in the ACC. The team will stay at home for one more game Tuesday when they will host Marist before traveling to Louisville on Friday for more ACC action.
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