No. 3 Hokies struggle to hit in Game 2 loss vs. Virginia

By Caleb Wetzel

Staff Writer

April 15, 2022

BLACKSBURG — It’s hard to chalk up a three-run loss to bad luck or misfortune, but you sure would like to if you’re No. 3 Virginia Tech (31-6, 14-2 ACC) on Friday night.

The Hokie batters were hitting the ball hard all over the field in the 5-3 loss to Virginia (23-20, 9-8 ACC) all game. The only problem was that the majority of the hits were exactly to where the Virginia defense was playing.

The Cavaliers had better fortune in finding open grass than the Hokies, as they outhit them nine to eight on the night.

The third and fourth hitters for Virginia, Gabby Baylog and Katie Goldberg, left nothing up to fortune as they each smacked solo home runs in the game.

The top four Cavalier hitters combined for six of their nine hits, going a combined six-for-15 in the game and driving in four of the five runs.

While the Hokies were hitting the ball hard most of the game, Virginia pitcher Molly Grube (1-2) pitched a great game, only giving up three runs (two earned) while striking out five. Her offspeed pitches and ability to locate the ball on the outside part of the zone kept the Hokies hitters guessing most of the night.

One bright spot for the Virginia Tech offense was Darby Trull, who led the team in hits, batting 3-for-4 and scoring a run.

Virginia Tech was able to come back once in the game, tying the game at two on a Kelsey Bennett single and Emma Ritter sacrifice fly to erase an early deficit.

But the Hokies didn’t have another comeback in them, as the Cavaliers put up three runs in the fifth and sixth innings. They threatened in the final inning, bringing the tying run to the plate after scoring one, but the comeback bid came up short.

Emma Lemley (12-4) pitched a complete game but took the loss for Virginia Tech, giving up five runs on nine hits and walking three. On a positive note, she struck out eight batters and was locating the ball well at points of the game.

The teams will face off tomorrow at 2 p.m. for the rubber match of the Commonwealth Clash.