Baseball: WVU Falls to Virginia Tech
February 21, 2010 01:41 PM | General
February 21, 2010
BOX SCORE
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| Grant Buckner |
CONWAY, S.C. - An early five-run deficit in the first inning proved to be too difficult to escape as the West Virginia University baseball team lost to Virginia Tech, 14-3, on Sunday afternoon at the Caravelle Resort Tournament at Charles Watson Stadium.
Facing one of the country’s better professional prospects in Hokie right-hander Jesse Hahn, the Mountaineers (0-3) struggled at the plate throughout the game. Playing with a lineup full of newcomers, West Virginia often found it difficult to catch up to Hahn’s fastball that reached the mid-90’s and oftentimes fell behind in the count.
WVU was also forced to play from behind at the start, a difficult concept for a relatively youthful lineup. Virginia Tech scored five runs in the first inning, two in the second and fourth frames and one run in the third inning to jump out to a 10-0 lead halfway through the game. The Mountaineers made a habit of swinging early in the count once again, keeping Hahn’s pitch total to a minimum while forcing quick at-bats.
Grant Buckner finished 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while left fielder Matt Frazer also added two hits. Shortstop Jedd Gyorko finished 0-for-4, ending his hitting streak at 16 games dating back to last season.
Freshman Brady Wilson was responsible for WVU’s first run by driving in Clark Sambuco with an RBI single up the middle in the eighth inning. Buckner followed with a towering, two-run shot to left field.
Virginia Tech built a sizeable lead with five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Designated hitter Anthony Sosnoskie hit a two-run single through the left side, and Ronnie Shaban followed with a run-scoring double to right center. Michael Seaborn then hit an RBI single through the left side, and Matt Blow laced an RBI single down the right field line to make it 5-0. With runners on the corners and just one out in the opening frame, Chris Enourato came in and induced a double play by Sean Ryan to end the inning.
The Hokies added two more runs in the second inning when Steve Domecus hit a two-run double down the left field line to extend the lead. A solo home run by Seaborn on a 3-2 pitch in the third inning gave Virginia Tech an 8-0 advantage.
Domecus added a two-run home run in the fourth inning to give Virginia Tech a 10-0 lead.
WVU freshman starter Jared Hill took the loss in today’s contest.
The Mountaineers return to the diamond on Friday, Feb. 26, against Indiana at 1 p.m. at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Fla. The contest is part of the second annual Big Ten/BIG EAST Challenge.
