The Pittsburgh Panthers lost the rubber match of their series against the Virginia Tech Hokies, 7-1 on Sunday, March 20 in Blacksburg.
Once again, the Hokies managed to get hits with runners in scoring position. The Panthers left ten base runners stranded, including twice with the bases loaded and the top of the order up. Virginia Tech played a bullpen game, changing pitchers frequently to keep Pitt’s batters—who managed just four hits on the day—off balance.
Hokies designated hitter Connor Hartigan hit a home run off Panthers starter Billy Corcoran with two outs in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead.
The Panthers loaded the bases with two walks and a hit by pitch with no outs in the third inning, but three straight strikeouts from the top of their lineup ended the scoring threat.
They loaded the bases again with two out in the fourth inning, but the Hokies changed pitchers and forced a groundout to escape the inning.
Corcoran pitched six innings of three-run ball and struck out six batters.
Kyle Hess hit a home run to break the ice in the seventh, but Hokies right fielder Nick Biddison responded with a two-run of his own shot off sophomore transfer Hayden Summers to make it 5-1.
A single and back-to-back doubles stretched the Hokies lead to six in the eighth inning.
The loss moves the Panthers to 10-10 on the season, and 1-5 in the ACC. Their next game is against Kent State at home on Wednesday, March 23 at 3pm.
Corcoran pitched well and received no run support. Having the bases loaded with ZERO outs and then getting three strikeouts in a row. SMH. Where is the hitting?
C’mon Pitt!