Virginia Tech vs Boston College Baseball Recap

(18) Virginia Tech 3, Boston College 1

Mathew Price picked a perfect day to toss his second complete game this season, as the Virginia Tech Hokies defeated the Boston College Eagles, 3-1.

Price was magnificent, striking out nine Boston College hitters while allowing only one earned run and just six hits in nine full innings of work. 

Boston College countered with Pat Dean, who entered this game with a perfect 5-0 record on the season. However, Dean lasted just six innings and allowed three earned runs, giving him his first loss of 2010.

For the second straight game, the Hokies were able to jump out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  After a leadoff single by Sean Ryan, Dean lost control of his fastball, hitting both Anthony Sosnoskie and Steve Domecus.  With the bases loaded, the Hokies' most dependable hitter - Austin Wates - approached the plate and grounded into a double play.  Ryan was able to sneak home from third and score the go-ahead run. 

The Eagles answered quickly as John Spatola drove a Price pitch deep over the center field fence, tying the game at one apiece in the top of the second.  Afterwards, Price settled down and held the Eagles scoreless for the final seven innings on Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg, Virginia.

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The score remained tied until the fourth inning when Tech freshman Andrew Rash swung and drove a deep fly ball over the left field fence for a two-run home run, giving the Hokies a 3-1 lead. The rest of the game became a perfect example of an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel as neither team could plate another baserunner. Both teams had their share of opportunities but the pitching on was just too good in the second game of this three-game weekend series.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Eagles were able to move runners over to second and third base after an error by the Hokies' Tim Smalling.  However, BC's Mickey Wiswall failed to drive the runners in as he grounded out to Michael Sebourne at second base, officially ending the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Hokies were able to move Smalling over to third base on a fielder’s choice but with two outs, Brent Zimmerman was unable to drive him in, as he grounded out to the pitcher.

Taylor Lasko, who replaced Dean for BC in the seventh inning, held the Hokies hitless in his two innings of work. Price didn't require any relief; in fact, he got stronger as the game went on. Price found his groove; retiring the last nine batters in the game to give the Hokies two-run win that felt like an even more comfortable conquest.

The Eagles will try to avoid the sweep tomorrow at 1 p.m. Eastern, when Tech and Boston College play the third and final game of this weekend series.

By: Justin Clark
ACC Fans Guest Writer