The Virginia Tech baseball team defeated VCU, 11-8, in a high-scoring game at English Field on March 18. Sophomore Sam Grube hit a grand slam in the fifth inning, helping the Hokies capitalize on several defensive errors by the Rams.
The outcome was shaped by VCU’s mistakes, which led to seven unearned runs for Virginia Tech—more than double the margin of victory. The win brings Virginia Tech’s record to 10-9 while VCU falls to 11-9.
Starter Chase Swift pitched two scoreless innings with four strikeouts before leaving due to injury. Hudson Lutterman opened scoring for the Hokies with his fifth home run of the season. After falling behind 4-1 in the fourth inning, Virginia Tech responded when an error extended the inning and set up Grube’s grand slam, tying the game.
VCU tied it again at 5-5 in the fifth with a solo home run from Michael Petite. In the sixth inning, another error by VCU allowed three more unearned runs for Virginia Tech, giving them a lead they would not relinquish. Preston Crowl secured his third consecutive save opportunity by recording six outs over the final two innings.
Pete Daniel led Virginia Tech offensively with three hits and an RBI single late in the game. The Hokies’ pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts and only two walks. Five players from VCU had multiple hits as their team finished with twelve total hits.
Virginia Tech will next face Duke in a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series at English Field beginning Friday, March 20.
