Blacksburg, Virginia – The Panthers defeated the No. 13 Hokies on Friday night in Blacksburg. Pitt hit six runs and three home runs in the third inning, contributing to their first win against a ranked opponent this season.
The Panthers' three home runs in the third inning were the most in an inning since Feb. 28, 2016, when they hit three home runs in the seventh inning against Grambling State.
Jayden Melendez He hit a two-run homer in the second inning, his second home run of the series. Justin Fogel He went 2-4 with a 3-run home run and 4 RBIs. Jake Kendro He hit his fourth home run of the year, and the day ended with 1 win and 4 losses. CJ Funk He recorded his ninth multi-hit game this year and scored one point, resulting in 2 wins and 5 losses.Third start of career, freshman Keaton Burrows He made it 1-3 with a double over the right field, and showed great play at third base.
Jack Sokol He pitched five innings, had two strikeouts, and did not allow a walk, earning his third win of the year. Matt Fernandez came out of the bullpen and did a phenomenal job, taking over with the bases loaded and minimizing the damage by allowing just one run. Phil Fox The Panthers were shut out and he made his second save of the season. Fox pitched no hits and no runs in the two innings he pitched that night, giving him eight scoreless innings this year.
The Panthers' batting lineup got off to a strong start, hitting three home runs in the top of the second inning. CJ Funk and Tyler Bischke Leading off the inning with singles, Pitt had runners on the corners and no outs. Justin Fogel It came to the plate. Vogel hit a three-run shot to right-center field to give Pitt an early 3-0 lead. Jake Kendro The next pitch was sent 411 feet to left as the Panthers hit back-to-back jack hits to take a 4-0 lead. Turner Grau He then singled to left, scoring Pitt's fifth consecutive hit to start the inning.rear Keaton Burrows After making a sacrifice bunt to advance Grau to second base, Jayden hit a two-run hit to left, his second home run of the game and the Panthers' third of the inning. It was Pitt's first time hitting three home runs in one inning since February 28, 2016.
Virginia Tech got one back in the second half of the inning, and Pitt finished with two runs to take a 6-1 lead.
The Hokies scored three more runs in the bottom of the fourth with a double and two sacrifice flies, but the Panthers still led 6-4 after four innings.
Pitt allowed one run in the top of the fifth inning and led 7-4 at the end of the fifth inning. Luke Cantwell and Tyler Bischke Each drew a walk and put two runners on with two outs. Justin Fogel Cantwell scored on a single from second base to right-center field, his fourth RBI of the day.
Virginia Tech didn't go quietly, scoring one run each in the sixth and seventh innings. In the bottom of the 8th inning, as the Hokies threatened again, Phil Fox He ended the inning by inducing a 6-4-3 double play. Pitt led 7-6 through the eighth inning.
The Foxes closed the door on the Hokies in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Panthers won Game 2 of the series, tied at 7-6.
The rubber match is scheduled for tomorrow at 4 p.m. and will be televised on the ACC Network.
