Junior infielder Jared Davis batted 4-for-5 to lead the Hokies on Monday during their series-clinching victory against the Spartans.
In a thrilling conclusion to a three-game series, the Virginia Tech Hokies secured an 8-3 victory over the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Spartans, with sophomore infielder Jared Davis delivering an exceptional performance by recording four hits. This win at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park in Blacksburg, Virginia, clinched the series for the Hokies, who improved their season record to 5-2, while the Spartans fell to 4-3.
Davis’s Offensive Showcase
Jared Davis was the standout player of the game, going 4-for-5 at the plate, including a double, and contributing significantly to the Hokies’ offensive output. His consistent hitting kept the pressure on UNCG’s pitching staff and energized the Virginia Tech lineup throughout the contest.
Early Lead and Sustained Pressure
The Hokies wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the bottom of the first inning, leadoff hitter Jared Davis singled to center field, setting the tone for the inning. Following a stolen base, Davis advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a sacrifice fly by designated hitter David McCann, giving Virginia Tech an early 1-0 lead.
In the third inning, the Hokies extended their lead. Davis led off with another single and promptly stole second base, showcasing his speed and baseball acumen. Ben Watson followed with a walk, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. McCann then delivered a two-run double down the left-field line, bringing the score to 3-0. Later in the inning, McCann scored on a single by right fielder Sam Tackett, making it 4-0 in favor of Virginia Tech.
UNCG’s Response
The Spartans mounted a comeback in the top of the fifth inning. After a leadoff walk to Jeremy Wolf and a single by Luke Holland, UNCG had runners on first and second with no outs. A sacrifice bunt advanced the runners, and a subsequent single by Zachary Walsh drove in Wolf, cutting the deficit to 4-1. The Spartans added another run on a groundout by Parker Wight, bringing the score to 4-2.
Hokies Pull Away
Virginia Tech responded immediately in the bottom of the fifth inning. Once again, Jared Davis ignited the offense with a leadoff double to left-center field. A single by Watson put runners on the corners, and McCann’s sacrifice fly allowed Davis to score, extending the lead to 5-2. The Hokies added another run in the inning when Watson scored on a double by Tackett, making it 6-2.
In the seventh inning, the Hokies continued to pad their lead. Davis singled for his fourth hit of the game and advanced to second on a groundout. McCann’s third hit of the game, a single to right field, drove in Davis, bringing the score to 7-2. Virginia Tech added their final run in the eighth inning when third baseman David Lewis hit a solo home run to left field, making it 8-2.
Pitching Performances
Virginia Tech’s starting pitcher, sophomore right-hander Brett Renfrow, delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings while allowing two runs on four hits, striking out five, and walking two. Renfrow’s ability to navigate through UNCG’s lineup minimized scoring opportunities and maintained the Hokies’ lead.
The Hokies’ bullpen was equally effective. Junior left-hander Andrew Sentlinger pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three. Senior right-hander Jacob Exum closed out the game, pitching the final two innings and surrendering one run on two hits while striking out two.
For UNCG, starting pitcher Jay Miller faced challenges against the Hokies’ potent offense. Miller lasted four innings, giving up four runs on six hits, walking two, and striking out three. The Spartans’ bullpen struggled to contain Virginia Tech, allowing four additional runs over the remaining innings.
Defensive Highlights
Both teams showcased solid defensive plays throughout the game. In the top of the sixth inning, Hokies’ center fielder Treyson Hughes made a diving catch to rob UNCG’s Brantley Truitt of a potential extra-base hit, preventing a possible rally. Similarly, in the bottom of the seventh, Spartans’ shortstop Jacob Budzik made a leaping grab on a line drive off the bat of Ben Watson, demonstrating impressive reflexes and athleticism.
Series Overview
The three-game series between Virginia Tech and UNCG was a competitive affair. The Spartans took the opener with a 6-2 victory, thanks to a strong pitching performance by senior right-hander Sam Murchison, who pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits. The Hokies bounced back in the second game, securing a 6-2 win behind a solid outing from starting pitcher Jake Marciano and a balanced offensive attack. The decisive third game showcased Virginia Tech’s offensive depth and resilience, highlighted by Jared Davis’s four-hit performance.
Looking Ahead
With this series victory, the Hokies aim to carry their momentum into their upcoming games as they continue their non-conference schedule before entering Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. Head coach John Szefc expressed confidence in his team’s performance, stating, “Our guys showed great character bouncing back after the first game. Jared [Davis] had an outstanding series, and our pitching staff did a commendable job.”
The Spartans, under head coach Billy Godwin, will look to regroup and address areas of concern, particularly focusing on consistency in both pitching and hitting. Coach Godwin noted, “We had some bright spots, but we need to be more consistent across all facets of the game. We’ll learn from this series and come back stronger.”
Both teams demonstrated competitive spirit and provided an exciting series for fans, setting the stage for
