The Virginia Tech baseball team lost a late lead and fell to Pitt, 5-4, on April 18 at English Field. The Hokies were ahead 4-1 going into the eighth inning but could not hold off a comeback by the Panthers.
The outcome matters for both teams as it affects their standings in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Virginia Tech dropped to an overall record of 18-19 and an ACC record of 8-12, while Pitt improved to 24-13 overall and 7-10 in conference play.
Redshirt-junior right-hander Griffin Stieg started for Virginia Tech, pitching six innings and allowing only one run on nine hits. He threw three strikeouts without issuing a walk before leaving with a three-run lead. Hudson Lutterman hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, helping the Hokies extend their advantage.
Pitt began its comeback in the eighth inning against reliever Logan Eisenreich. After loading the bases early in the frame, Carter Dierdorf delivered a game-tying two-RBI single for Pitt. Virginia Tech had opportunities to regain the lead but was unable to capitalize with runners on base during both the seventh and eighth innings.
In the ninth inning, Pitt took advantage of walks issued by Brody Roe after Eisenreich allowed two baserunners. Anthony LaSala’s sacrifice bunt set up back-to-back walks that gave Pitt its first lead since early in the game. Although Willie Hurt hit his first collegiate double as a pinch hitter for Virginia Tech with two outs in their final turn at bat, Eddie Smink closed out two scoreless innings for Pitt to secure their win.
Virginia Tech will try to take the series rubber match against Pitt on Sunday, April 19 at English Field with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
