Virginia Tech takes ACC tournament opener 11-7 to BC

Durham, NC – leading 3-0 at bat Carson Jones With a two-run home run in Tuesday’s opener of the 2023 baseball championship, 10th-seeded Virginia Tech’s baseball team tested sixth-seeded Boston College early and often, though they suffered an 11-7 loss at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.


Jones scored in the top of the first inning to give Tech its first lead of the game before blasting his 14th home run of the season to right field. Second baseman Christian Martin With leadoff singles during the Hokies’ second and fourth innings, he proudly extended his on-base streak to 37 games as he went 2-for-3.


With the loss, Virginia Tech (30-22) is out of Pool C and will play its final ACC Tournament game on Wednesday, May 24 against the third seed. [No. 6] The first pitch between the Clemson Hawkeyes and the Tigers is scheduled for 7 p.m.


Southpaw starter Jonas Hurney He was efficient through two scoreless innings and collected the opening two runs of the third inning before Boston College (35-17) made the move. Peter Burns and Patrick Roche hit back-to-back singles to keep Hurney on the mound, leaving the door open for Joe Vetrano’s two-RBI double down the right field line.


Outside Harney and Jacob Exum In, Nick Wang matched Vetrano with a two-RBI double to give BC its first lead of the game at 4-3.


Virginia Tech immediately bounced back in the fourth inning, drawing from Martin’s leadoff hit and five-pitch walk. Chris Cannizzaro. later David Bryant. Rookie shortstop Tech had folded the tandem. Clay Grady A two-RBI single up the middle restored the Hokies’ lead at 5-4.


Tech on a wild pitch, right fielder on the run Anthony Arguelles He went to work during his first break from his tech career. Despite walking the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning, Argyles caught BC designated hitter Kyle Wolf looking for second before delivering the final ground ball that gave the Hokies a 6-4 advantage.


However, Boston College managed to turn the game around in the bottom of the sixth inning with Barry Walsh’s solo home run to make it 6-5. Roche was doubly opposed Henry Weicker Tech was in position to walk Vetrano on purpose when Wang cleared the bases with a three-RBI double down the left field line.


Virginia Tech trailed 8-7 in the seventh inning. Chris Cannizzaro’s Lazy pop-up shortstop Sam McNulty was missing in the sun, resulting in a miscue. Carson DeMartini scoring from second base. McNulty redeemed himself when his follow-up leadoff single opened a two-run frame for the Eagles that was capped by Vetrano’s two-RBI single that sent BC on the road.


Wang and Vetrano finished with five and four RBIs, respectively, and Cole Mercado led off the game with an RBI double in the eighth inning.


Virginia Tech’s pitching staff combined to issue 11 walks, tying for the third time the Hokies’ arms have walked this season. Boston College scored nine of its 11 runs with two hits.



Next
Virginia Tech will close out the 2023 ACC Baseball Championship with the third seed on Wednesday, May 24. [No. 6] Clemson’s first game between the Hawkeyes and the Tigers at Durham Bulls Athletic Park is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will follow earlier tournament action.