The No. 14 Virginia Tech Hokies opened the home portion of their schedule this weekend with a three-game series against the N.C. State Wolfpack from Tech Softball Park. Unlike the first two games of the series, this one went down to the wire with Michelle Chatfield winning it in the bottom of the seventh inning, 2-1, and the Hokies improved to 28-4, 4-2 in ACC play.
The Hokies dominated the Wolfpack on Friday and Saturday, earning run-rule victories on each day, before finishing up on Sunday in Blacksburg.
Sunday’s game was certainly more competitive, with the Hokies scoring first, when Nora Abromavage blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead.
State responded quickly, though, thanks in part to Tech’s defense. A pair of throwing errors in the top of the third inning led the Pack to their first run, and we were tied at 1-1. It remained a pitcher’s duel over the next several innings.
However, in the bottom of the seventh, the clutch Hokies came through. Rachel Castine opened the inning with a single. Annika Rohs sacrificed Sara McNelly, running for Castine, to second base. Next, Addison Foster grounded out with McNelly advancing to third. Jordan Lynch walked, and up came Chatfield.
Here’s what happened next:
Another impressive weekend for the Lady Hokies who continue to find different ways to get it done.
Emma Mazzarone was spectacular again, pitching six innings, striking out nine, allowing only two hits, walking three, and one unearned run. She did not factor in the decision, as Bree Carrico pitched a perfect seventh inning to improve to 8-0 on the season.
Next up for the Hokies is a weekend series at Boston College, beginning on Friday.
