Virginia Tech loses 6-3 in pitchers’ duel against Stanford

A Hard-Fought Game with Missed Chances

In a tightly contested game between Virginia Tech and Stanford, the two teams traded blows on the mound for nine innings before Stanford finally broke the deadlock in the tenth. The Cardinal managed to score three runs, securing a 6-3 victory over the Hokies and taking the series.

Virginia Tech head coach John Szefc acknowledged the team’s effort but pointed out key areas where they fell short. “I thought our guys battled well,” he said. “Griffin Stieg gave us a good, efficient start… we left too many guys on base. When you get chances like that, you’ve got to win.”

The Hokies left 17 runners on base throughout the game and struggled at the plate, hitting just 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Only one of those hits resulted in an RBI. Additionally, they went 0-for-6 with the bases loaded and had a 0-for-10 day with two outs. “That was the difference in the game,” Szefc added. “If we score a little more, it’s probably a different outcome. But when you have opportunities, you’ve got to take advantage… we didn’t, so we lost.”

Early Lead and Quick Comebacks

Stanford took an early lead in the first inning, thanks to a one-out double from Teddy Tokheim and a single from Charlie Bates that brought him around to score. The Cardinal led 1-0 after the first frame.

The Hokies responded quickly. Sam Grube hit an infield bunt single, and Pete Daniel advanced him to third with a flyout. Hudson Lutterman then drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. However, Stanford quickly reclaimed the lead in the second inning. A double and a walk set up Luke Lavin, who hit a single to bring in Cort MacDonald. Lavin finished the game with 2-for-3, including a home run and two RBI.

After a scoreless second inning, Virginia Tech struck back in the third. Henry Cooke drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing in Nick Locurto. The Hokies had two more chances with the bases loaded that inning but failed to capitalize, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a groundout.

A Home Run Changes the Momentum

Stanford regained the lead in the fourth inning when Lavin hit a 363-foot solo home run into the bullpen. The long ball marked a turning point in the game. Griffin Stieg settled in after that, pitching two more scoreless innings and finishing with six innings pitched, allowing three runs and striking out three batters. This outing was his second quality start of the season.

“I get amped up and a little fiery,” Stieg said. “Settling down and finding my groove has been big. The earlier I find that, the better.”

The Hokies tied the game again in the fifth inning when Sam Gates hit a groundball single through the four-hole, bringing in Nick Locurto from second. That double was one of only two extra-base hits for Virginia Tech.

Extra Innings and a Critical Turnaround

Both teams used their pitchers to force extra innings. Luke Craytor and Preston Crowl combined for three scoreless frames. However, Crowl’s performance took a turn in the top of the tenth inning.

The first batter he faced, Cort MacDonald, reached on an infield single. The call at first was challenged by the Hokies, but it stood. Two consecutive fielders’ choices put Stanford in a position to score, and Brock Sell hit a ball that skipped over the short wall for a ground-rule double. With two runners in scoring position, John Szefc opted to intentionally walk Rintaro Sasaki to face Tokheim.

Tokheim delivered, roping a two-RBI single up the middle. Charlie Bates followed with another single to score Sasaki, giving Stanford a 6-3 lead. Logan Eisenreich entered the game and struck out the only batter he faced to end the inning.

Final Moments and Reflections

Despite their efforts, the Hokies couldn’t mount a comeback in the bottom of the tenth. Ethan Ball walked with one out, but Virginia Tech couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, ultimately losing the game and the series.

“This game was a tale of missed opportunities for Virginia Tech,” Stieg said. “We hit some balls hard right at people… just some bad luck. We’ve just got to keep attacking and putting pressure on them. We’ll win games like that.”

Virginia Tech will now shift its focus to Radford on Tuesday before heading to Miami next weekend.