Hokies Unable to get Bats going Against Clemson

Wyatt Krueger

February 19, 2021

CLEMSON, S.C. — No. 14 Virginia Tech (3-1, 0-1 ACC) was handled by Clemson (3-0, 1-0 ACC) on Thursday, losing 8-1 in its first ACC game of the season.

The Hokies were plagued by an uncharacteristic third inning, as Keely Rochard gave up five runs, four of which were unearned.

Rochard started the inning with runners on first and third, no outs. Despite giving up one run on a single to the next batter, it seemed as if she was going to get out of the jam with limited damage.

Rochard retired the next two batters, but a throwing error by shortstop Cameron Fagan scored two unearned runs for Clemson before a two-run home run by Marissa Guimbarda made the score 5-0.

The Hokies scored their lone run in the top of the fourth inning thanks to a Darby Trull single through the middle, bringing freshman Rebecca Ludowig home from third base to cut the deficit to four.

Tech's offense was unable to get going when it needed to, striking out six times and leaving eight batters on base throughout the game.

Clemson added runs in the bottom of the fourth and bottom of the fifth to extend its lead.

Rochard still had a solid day in the circle despite the loss, as the junior struck out four batters in four innings and allowed only one earned run.

The Hokies are back in action on Friday at noon for a doubleheader against the Tigers, with a chance to avenge Thursday's performance and leave South Carolina with a series win.