Hokie ClubCHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Unable to claw back from six runs down on Saturday afternoon, the No. 7 Virginia Tech baseball team witnessed its seven-game winning streak come to an end courtesy of its 6-3 defeat to No. 11 Virginia at Davenport Field at Disharoon Park.
Virginia Tech (30-10, 13-8 ACC) received three shutout innings off the bat from freshman right-hander Drue Hackenberg, who put his 8-0 record on the line against the Cavaliers' unbeaten challenger, left-hander Brian Gursky (6-0). Hackenberg mechanically struck out four of the first eight batters he faced, soon benefitting from a beeline throw to the plate by Gavin Cross that saved a run, nabbing Max Cotier for the final out of the third inning.
With Gursky in the midst of retiring 13 consecutive Hokies, Hackenberg was first to concede during the bottom of the fourth inning. After fanning Alex Tappen for his fifth strikeout of the game, Hackenberg surrendered a first-pitch solo home run to Jake Gelof that sent Virginia (33-11, 14-9 ACC) in front, 1-0.
Hackenberg's strikeout of Griff O'Ferrall during the bottom of the fifth inning upped his game count to seven while leaving the Cavaliers with two outs and two runners aboard. However, Virginia proceeded to ambush Hackenberg for four straight run-scoring singles, rushing out to the 6-0 lead while ending his day at four and two-thirds innings pitched.
Tech pieced three hits together during the top of the sixth inning to give itself a chance at a comeback. Carson DeMartini dropped a leadoff single into right field for the Hokies' first hit since Nick Biddison's game-opening at-bat, providing a glimpse of hope.
After Gavin Cross had singled Tech's runner into scoring position, Tanner Schobel fisted a ball through the right side for an RBI single, putting the Hokies on the scoreboard. With runners at the corners, the Hokies gambled on a double steal, successfully plating Cross at the expense of losing Schobel in the inning-ending rundown between first and second base.
Optimism carried into the seventh inning for Tech, which put its first two batters aboard following a leadoff double by Eduardo Malinowski and a five-pitch walk that had been issued to Cade Hunter. Despite this, Virginia managed to still close the door as Brandon Neeck induced the inning-ending double play from Lucas Donlon.
Schobel opened the ninth inning with a solo home run – his team best, 14th of the season – though the Hokies were unable to extend the game behind him.
Gursky earned the win to improve to 7-0, striking out eight batters across six innings while allowing two runs on five hits. Neeck completed the three-inning save, striking out four batters, while Hackenberg suffered his first setback of the season, dropping his record to 8-1.
NOTEWORTHY
• Virginia Tech's seven-game winning streak that was snapped on Saturday ties its season long for the third time during the 2022 campaign.
• Saturday was Ryan Zimmerman Day at Davenport Field at Disharoon Park. Prior to the game, Virginia retired the No. 11 jersey of its 16-year MLB alumnus, Ryan Zimmerman. Saturday's sold-out crowd was listed at 5,919 supporters.
UP NEXT
No. 7 Virginia Tech will compete in the rubber match of the Commonwealth Clash on Sunday, May 1, at No. 11 Virginia. Due to inclement weather forecast for Charlottesville, first pitch between the Hokies and the Cavaliers has been moved up to 11 a.m. (previously 1 p.m.).Gallery: (4-30-2022) BSB: at UVA Game 2