The Virginia Tech baseball team defeated Miami, 6-3, in the series finale at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field on April 5. Right-hander Griffin Stieg led the Hokies with six strong innings, helping his team avoid a sweep.
This victory was significant for Virginia Tech as it improved their record to 15-15 overall and 6-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. The win also marked the Hokies’ sixth win in eight games started by Stieg this season.
Stieg limited Miami’s offense, which had produced many extra-base hits earlier in the series, to two runs on seven hits while striking out three batters. Virginia Tech took an early lead with two runs in both the second and third innings. Ethan Gibson delivered a key RBI single in the second inning that allowed Sam Gates to score after an error by Miami’s left fielder. In the third inning, Ethan Ball and Sam Grube hit back-to-back home runs to extend the lead.
Miami narrowed the gap with Daniel Cuvet’s RBI double and Max Galvin’s RBI single but could not overcome Virginia Tech’s defense. A notable defensive play came from Grube, who made a tumbling catch in right field during a critical moment of the eighth inning, turning it into a double play that ended Miami’s rally attempt.
Virginia Tech added two insurance runs in the ninth inning, including another RBI hit from Gibson. Closer Preston Crowl secured his fourth save of the season by recording a strikeout to end Miami’s final scoring threat.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech is scheduled to host Liberty at English Field on Tuesday, April 7 with first pitch set for 6 p.m.
