Hoos Take Game 1 From Surging Hokies
Saturday, April 17 2010 by Tim
Earlier in the season, I was explaining to some friends the landscape of ACC baseball. If you’re reading this, you already know most of the details, but the relevant comment from that discussion was “… and Maryland, Boston College and Virginia Tech are terrible.”
Apparently, I forgot to take a look at Virginia Tech’s team this year before making that comment.
Their ACC slate started off about as I had expected – taking two of three from Maryland at home, getting swept at Clemson, taking two of three from Wake Forest at home… but then things changed. The Hokies won the first two contests against FSU – in Tallahassee – to take that series, and then returned home to take two of three from Miami. Those are two top-ten teams right there.
So when the Hokies came to Davenport Field last night, they were actually ranked – as high as #20 (Baseball America).
Of course, The Hoos are ranked as well… as high as #1 (NCBWA).
And it was the Hoos that prevailed last night.
Starting pitcher Danny Hultzen gave up one run in the first inning, but then settled in. He lasted until the 8th inning when he was pulled after giving up the tying run on a solo home run. Hultzen struck out 10 and walked no one in a solid, if not spectacular no decision.
Tyler Wilson came in and finished off the top of the 8th inning, sending off the next three batters in order on only 12 pitches.
With the game tied at 2 and the Hokies holding the momentum, it was pretty clear that the fans in the stands were getting a little nervous. “Where are our bats tonight?” “Where’s our offense?”
Apparently the Cavaliers heard those questions floating down to the field and decided to answer.
A single (Grovatt), a steal (also Grovatt), a throwing error (that moved Grovatt to third) and another single (Hicks) and suddenly the top-ranked Cavaliers were back in the lead with just three outs remaining. Hicks would eventually score as well to provide an insurance run.
Kevin Arico, who leads the nation in saves, came in and did exactly what we’ve come to expect from him. He retired Tech’s side quickly and efficiently, earning his 12th save of the season.
The Hoos and Hokies are back on the field today at 4pm.