HOW LATE-INNING DEFENSE SET UP THE HOKIES' OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT

Sam Alves

February 26, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Believe it or not, Radford entered the top of the sixth inning only down two runs, 4-2, but a key defensive sequence from Virginia Tech stymied any potential rally, allowing itself to eventually unload offensively en route to a 22-2 romp.

Highlanders senior Anthony Galati led off the sixth frame with a squibbler down the third base line of English Field that had some wicked english to it, but third baseman Kevin Madden squared himself behind the ball and fired across the diamond for a quick out.

Next, Highlander second baseman Jalen Buster’s fly ball had Hokie first baseman TJ Rumfield twisted around in foul territory as he appeared to have overrun the pop-up, but he turned back toward fair territory and secured the out at the last second while tumbling to the turf. This was an unsung defensive play from the game’s offensive star.

The last of the trio of plays came as Radford’s freshman center fielder Jack Hurley cruised into left center field to catch a line drive tailing away from him off the bat of Jalen Buster. Hurley made the play look routine, but it was not.

The swirling Blacksburg wind put pressure on both defenses all game long. His effort sent the Hokies quickly back into their dugout, from which they would emerge to put some seriously crooked numbers on the scoreboard.

After three Hokies crossed the plate in the bottom of the sixth to extend the lead to five, Sean Cheely looked to lead a Radford comeback in the seventh with a leadoff walk.

Garrett Matheny's chopper then forced Tech third baseman Kevin Madden to charge the ball off one hop, and his quick throw to second base set up a clean 5-4-3 double play to clear the bases. A swinging strikeout from catcher Stranton Podaras ended the inning two batters later.

The Hokies posted nine runs in the bottom of the inning and six to end the eighth. They tallied nine in the second game of their doubleheader Sunday against Kent State and three in the opening game of the set.

But through three games, they have also only allowed five runs. This is a recipe for success, regardless of how their offense performs. And with series against Miami and North Carolina coming up, the Hokies just might need some more web gems to keep up their winning ways.