Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 5-0 in Charlottesville on April 12, securing the series victory in the final game at Palmer Park.
The win is significant for Virginia Tech, ranked No. 11/12, as it improves their Atlantic Coast Conference record and adds a point to the Commonwealth Clash competition against their in-state rival. The Hokies now hold a record of 36-6 overall and 11-4 in ACC play, while Virginia drops to 33-8 overall and 10-7 in conference games.
Pitchers Emma Mazzarone and Bre Carrico led the Hokies with a combined shutout performance, totaling eleven strikeouts and allowing only four hits. The offense broke through with a four-run third inning that included two runs scored on an error by Virginia, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Kylie Aldridge and an RBI single from Rachel Castine. In the fourth inning, Zoe Yaeger extended the lead with a fielder’s choice grounder that brought home another run.
According to game notes provided by the team, “Tech is now 58-27 against Virginia in all-time matchups” and “won its 12th straight series against the Cavaliers.” This was also “the first ACC series in the Pete D’Amour era where Tech did not hit a home run” and marked “the first time all season Virginia has been shut out.” Rachel Castine led all Hokies hitters going two-for-three with one RBI. Mazzarone improved her season record to ten wins and three losses after striking out seven batters over five innings; Carrico struck out four over two innings of relief.
With this result, Virginia maintains its lead in the Commonwealth Clash competition at twelve points to five. More details about this rivalry can be found at hokiesports.com/commonwealth-clash.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will travel to Lynchburg for a midweek matchup against Liberty University on Wednesday, April 15. The game is scheduled for broadcast on ESPN+.
