NO. 18 VIRGINIA TECH LOOKS TO STAY HOT VS. VCU

Ryan Wilkes

March 9, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — In the first series at Atlantic Union Bank Park in which 1,000 Hokie fans sounded like 10,000, No. 18 Virginia Tech (7-2, 4-2 ACC) took full advantage, winning two-of-three from conference foe North Carolina.

The Hokies return to English Field for the first matchup against in-state opponent VCU (5-5) since 2014. Tech leads the all-time series 41-29, but the Rams have taken the previous two matchups.

The Rams come into this series hot, winners of four straight after three straight victories against a less-than-stellar VMI squad and taking a game from Central Michigan on Saturday.

Freshman third baseman Tyler Locklear has provided the punch for the Rams, homering in his last three games and driving in eight runs during the same stretch.

Similar to the Hokies, the VCU has been launching the ball out of the park with ease so far this season. In a road victory against VMI, the Rams sent eight Keydet pitches out of Gray-Minor Stadium.

In Tech’s series victory over North Carolina, freshmen Tanner Schobel and Jack Hurley gave the fans at English Field a lot to cheer about.

The freshman duo launched two home runs each over the three game series. Hurley sent the crowd into a frenzy during the series finale, sending one to dead center to tie the game at four runs in the second inning.

One flame will be put out on Tuesday afternoon when No. 18 Virginia Tech and VCU kick off the two-game series at 4 p.m.