The Virginia Tech baseball team lost to Miami, 19-1, on April 3 during the opening game of their series at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. The game was shortened to seven innings due to the Atlantic Coast Conference run rule.
The result marks a setback for Virginia Tech, which now has a record of 14-14 overall and 5-8 in ACC play. The Hokies managed only five hits, tying their lowest total against an ACC opponent this season.
Virginia Tech scored first when freshman Ethan Ball hit his first collegiate triple, bringing home Pete Daniel from first base. However, the Hokies were unable to capitalize further in the inning and left Ball stranded at third after two groundouts and a strikeout by their middle lineup.
Miami responded strongly with five runs in the second inning and nine more in the third. Senior pitcher Brendan Yagesh started well but saw his outing unravel as Miami hitters capitalized on several opportunities. Key moments included a two-RBI triple by Fabio Peralta and a two-run home run by Jake Ogden. The Hurricanes continued scoring with additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings.
Owen Petrich recorded a double for Virginia Tech in the fifth inning but was left on base after consecutive strikeouts by Miami starter Rob Evans, who improved his season record to 6-1 over five innings pitched.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will try to even the series against Miami on Saturday, April 4. Brett Renfrow is expected to start for Virginia Tech while Lazaro Collera is listed as probable starter for Miami.
