Hokie ClubTUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Senior Keely Rochard was dominant on Saturday, striking out 11 Evansville hitters over five innings of work to help lead the No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies past the Purple Aces 5-1.
In addition to her 11 strikeouts, Rochard (4-1) tossed five shutout innings while giving up one hit and walking none for Virginia Tech (7-1).
Offensively, the Hokies were led by sophomore Cameron Fagan, who went 2-for-2 on the day with a walk and two RBIs. Junior Kelsey Brown put together a noteworthy performance as well, going 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got on the scoreboard first, starting in the third inning. Fagan's run-scoring single highlighted a two-run inning for Virginia Tech.
The Hokies then held the Purple Aces scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Virginia Tech scored three runs in the frame highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Brown, which brought the score to 5-0 in favor of the Hokies. Evansville put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Virginia Tech still took the 5-1 win.
GAME NOTES
» Rochard struck out 11 Purple Aces hitters.
» The Virginia Tech pitching staff combined to strike out 13 Evansville hitters.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Hokies out-hit the Purple Aces at a 5-3 clip.
» Brown stole two bases in Saturday's game.
» Virginia Tech went 4-for-9 (.444) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 24 Evansville hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and four fly balls while striking out 13.
» Fagan led the Hokies at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
» Evansville was led offensively by sophomore M. Wood, who went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.