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The Virginia Tech Hokies are shell-shocked after a Miami blitzkrieg that saw the Miami offense unload 19 runs over a 4-inning span, taking a game-shortened, one-sided debacle 19-1. The blitz got cranked up in the second inning, led by Derek Williams 12th home run of the season as the team batted around for four additional runs, including a triple by Fabio Peralta and Jake Ogden’s 4th home run of the season. The Canes were just starting to roll, nearly doubling their output with 9 runs, starting once again by Derek Williams with a double to right and advancing to third on a misplay by the right fielder. Eleven batters followed with a barrage of hits and walks, culminating with the ultimate bombblaster by Brylan West, clearing the bases with Miami’s 6th Grand Slam of the year. The following inning, Miami added to their total with Miami’s fourth home run of the game, a solo shot by Alonzo Alvarez, and an RBI double by Daniel Cuvet. With 16 runs already to their credit, the Canes were not ready to accept an unconditional surrender, adding three more runs to their total as the depleted Hokies’ bullpen had nothing left, submitting to three walks and two wild pitches, resulting in three additional runs. For the Hokies, time had run out as the clock struck 7 (innings), ending their pain and suffering for one night with a 19-1 defeat.
Rob Evans, usually the Saturday night starter, took over pitching duties, replacing AJ Ciscar, who remains under observation for a bicep injury but is expected to start Sunday if cleared. Max Galvin was activated from the IR list, pinch-hitting in the fifth inning with an infield single in his first at-bat. Michael Torres is the only player still on the long-term IR due to a leg injury, and he is projected to be out for another 4-5 weeks. Nick Robert is expected to have limited action next week, with Frank Menendez likely to pitch another inning or two this weekend, having rejoined the active roster last week. Overall, the team is nearing full strength health-wise.
Rob got off to a shaky start, walking the first batter on four straight pitches, followed by a triple for tonight’s first score. The Hokie bench was at its loudest but quieted down in the second when the Miami blitzkrieg was unleashed. The shift in momentum and the quieting of the Hokie dugout came with the final out of the inning coming with the defensive play of the game by Vance Sheahan strending the runner on third.
Starting in the second inning and continuing through the next three, the offensive bats unleashed for 19 runs, including three doubles, a triple, and four home runs. Derek Williams kicked off the Miami Blitz with a lead-off home run in the second. Two more runs were scored on a Fabio triple down the right field line, bringing in Sheahan and Alvarez, who both singled. Back at the top of the order, Jake kept the momentum going with his fourth home run, crossing the plate right behind Fabio to cap the five-run barrage.
In the third inning, Miami ramped up the attack, sending twelve batters to the plate and scoring nine more runs, capped by Brylan West’s grand slam, his fourth home run of the season. After Williams hit a double, West was plunked by a pitch, Sheahan singled, and Peralta and Ogden drew two walks. Tech finally pulled their starter, who had given up ten runs, seven hits, a hit batter, and three walks.
Alvarez’s one-out home run, his third, and doubles by Fabio and Daniel contributed an additional two runs for Miami in the 4th.
In the 5th and 6th innings, the bench cleared as the starting rotation was given a well-deserved rest. The reserves added three more runs in the 5th, bringing the total to 19—scored via a single and two wild pitches. During the 5th inning, fans witnessed Max Galvin’s return, and he made an immediate impact with an infield hit, hinting at more exciting moments ahead.
Rob Evans earned his first Friday start and secured the win. He pitched 5 innings and struck out seven batters. Brixton Lofgren and Erick Peralta each pitched one inning to finish the game. Erick, after a long absence from action, made his presence felt by striking out three of the four batters he faced.
The offense dominated the night with 14 hits, including three doubles from Daniel Cuvet, Derek Williams, and Fabio Peralta, as well as a triple by Fabio Peralta. Four home runs were hit by Jake Ogden, Derek Williams, Brylan West, and Alonzo Alvarez. The team maintained a strong .438 batting average, going 8-15 with runners in scoring position. Notably, eleven of the nineteen runs scored came with two outs, highlighting a recurring trend for the Canes.
Miami is targeting a series victory tomorrow night, with Lazaro Collera on the mound after delivering an excellent performance last week against Clemson. The game is scheduled to start at 6 PM.
