Virginia Tech avoids the sweep, winning Game 3 6-3.
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Virginia Tech prevented the sweep with a solid performance in game 3, led by starter Griffin Steig, who kept Miami’s hitters at bay for six innings and benefited from some defensive errors by Miami in both their fielding and pitching. Miami struggled to capitalize with runners on base, leaving eight stranded compared to the Hokies’ two—a significant factor in the outcome. The two errors committed by Miami did not fully reflect their decision-making woes on the bases, which contributed to their overall inconsistent performance. Their effort appeared lackluster compared to Virginia Tech’s determined play. Key plays from the Hokies’ infield and outfield were instrumental in securing their victory. Throughout the game, from the first pitch to the final out, a sense of intensity was noticeably missing.
Talk earlier this week was whether AJ Ciscar would be able to start today was cleared to do so. Supposedly, he was on a 70 pitch count, which was set aside as he became stronger the longer he stayed in. It looked like he was going to be pulled in the third after a second inning of not performing at the level he has shown in the past, but JD had enough confidence in him to keep him beyond the third. Having surrendered 4 runs on 6 hits that included back-to-back HRs, the AJ we are familiar with returned in the fourth and showed the numbers we have grown to expect, striking out six of the next nine batters he faced, completing six innings, and having thrown an unexpected 95 pitches.
As with the first two games, Tech was the first team to score in the second inning, seemingly taking advantage of a flaw in AJ’s delivery by connecting with three consecutive hits without waiting beyond the second pitch, during which AJ was throwing only strikes. With runners on first and second, Ethan Gibson, like his predecessors, did not wait for a specific count and singled to left, getting under Dylan Dubovik’s glove and rolling to the fence, scoring two runs. He ended up at third base, where he stayed after a 1-3 groundout to end the inning.
After two runs in the second, one earned, the Hokies added two more in the third with back-to-back home runs, prompting a visit to the mound from Laz rather than JD. This showed their commitment to AJ rather than rushing to a bullpen that wasn’t yet ready for an early exit. Luckily, no further action was needed, as AJ made the necessary adjustments—whatever they may have been—delivering three strong innings of scoreless work and striking out six of the nine batters he faced.
While AJ struggled on the mound, the previously potent offense went silent through the first two innings, managing only a walk by Derek Williams in the second—yet nothing further developed. Once again, with two outs, Miami finally broke through, earning their first hit in the 3rd inning—a single by Ogden—and scoring their first run. Daniel followed Jake with an RBI double, bringing Jake home from first. Miami seemed to gain momentum after Sosa’s single put runners on the corners, but the rally ended when Williams grounded out 6-3. Hokies led at the end of the third, 4-1.
Fast forward to the 6th inning with two outs. Brylan West doubles to left center, followed by Max’s RBI single, cutting the lead to 4-2. After 101 pitches, the Hokies pitcher was finally replaced, leaving Miami hopeful of breaking open the game against a weakened Tech bullpen. They couldn’t capitalize in the 7th, but the opportunity presented itself again in the 8th.
Alex started the eighth inning with a walk, followed by Williams’ singling to left. With runners on first and second, West—arguably the slowest player on the team—unexpectedly laid down a bunt, moving both runners forward and nearly beating the throw to first. Now with runners on second and third and one out, Max hits a low line drive to right. The right fielder made an unbelievable diving catch, robbing the hit. If the ball had gotten past him, both runners would have scored. Instead, Sosa, who was taking his time to tag up from third, either didn’t realize the ball was caught or mistakenly thought Williams could return to second. Sosa failed to score before Williams was doubled off trying to get back to second, costing the team a chance to tie the game or take the lead. Two mental mistakes: Sosa showing no hustle, and Williams overextending himself from second.
The game took a turn for the worse in the ninth inning when the Hokies added two insurance runs. Ryan Bilka, making his second appearance of the weekend, once again failed to close the game effectively. He started the ninth with a walk, then a stolen base as Sosa’s throw to center went wildly off target, allowing the runner to advance to third. Bilka issued a second walk, putting runners on the corners. A groundout scored the runner from third. After the second out in center was recorded, JD decided to bring in Jack Durso, which unfortunately made things worse. Four straight balls put runners on first and second, and the next batter singled, scoring the inning’s second run. Although the throw home was not in time, the runner trying to go to third was thrown out, resulting in a 7-2-6 out. Miami, now down 6-2, looked for a spark of Mark Light Magic.
Remaining fans sensed the Magic stirring as Sheahan led off with a single. Dubovik doubled to left, advancing Vance to third. With runners on second and third, Fabio hits a SF to center, scoring Vance. Jake, already with two hits and seemingly decided on his own to bunt, advanced Dubovik but recorded the second out, leaving the team trailing by three runs. In the final chance to ignite some Magic, Daniel reverted to his old self, striking out and ending any hope of continuing the momentum. Tech secured the win, 6-3, and avoided the sweep.
Although out-hitting the Hokies 11-7 and out-batting them .318 to .226, going 2-9 with RISP and leaving 8 on base weren’t enough to overcome Tech’s 2 HRs, along with numerous mental and physical errors the Canes committed. It was a poorly executed game. Still, everyone on the team except Fabio recorded at least one hit. Three players had multiple hits: Jake Ogden 2-4, Brylan West 2-4 (scorer ruled SAC 2-3 as a groundout), and Dylan Dubovik 2-4. There were only three extra-base hits, all doubles: Daniel Cuvet, Brylan West, and Dylan Dubovik. Alex Sosa extended his hitting streak to 13 and has now reached safely in 21 straight games.
Miami returns to action Tuesday, facing FIU at home with the first pitch at 6 PM
