Virginia Tech erased a three-run first-inning deficit and defeated ETSU 7–5 on Tuesday afternoon at English Field to improve to 4–0 on the season. It was another early test of composure and yet another example of how this group responds when it's punched first.
The Buccaneers (3-1) struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on two walks before Tristan Curless launched a three-run homer to center field. The Hokies found themselves trailing for the fourth game in a row.
After the three-run first inning, Tech's starting pitcher, Aiden Robertson, settled in. The right-hander allowed only one hit the rest of his outing, while striking out four.
“If that inning gets worse, now we’re in trouble,” said Tech head coach John Szefc. “But [Robertson] stayed in the game. When he left the game, we were winning. After the first, we were down by three – that should tell you a little about how he pitched after that first.”
The Hokies answered in the second inning. Star freshman Ethan Ball singled to start the frame before Sam Gates roped an RBI double to left. Pete Daniel followed with an RBI single to center, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
The turning point came in the fourth inning. Ball once again sparked the rally with a single, followed by an Ethan Gibson walk. Gates then dropped down a bunt to load the bases. Hudson Lutterman drove in a run on an RBI fielder’s choice, and Daniel followed with a sacrifice bunt to tie the game. Treyson Hughes then delivered a ground-rule double to right field to give Tech its first lead of the afternoon, and a fielding error by ETSU center fielder Jamie Palmese allowed two additional runs to score, extending the advantage to 7-3.
The Hokies finished 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but two of those hits came during the decisive fourth inning. More importantly, they produced runs without needing extra-base power, manufacturing offense through bunts, productive outs and creating pressure.
The Buccaneers responded in the seventh inning, stringing together three hits and capitalizing on a Hokies error to cut the deficit to 7-5. The inning tested a Virginia Tech bullpen that has had to step up early in the season.
Chase Swift entered the game and stabilized the middle innings, tossing two scoreless frames with three strikeouts to earn the win. Swift, who primarily served as the midweek starter for the Hokies last season, has come out of the bullpen twice already this season. He has been nails in those two appearances, retiring the first 12 batters he has faced, with eight coming by strikeout.
“I just like pitching, so it doesn’t matter what role, what time; I just want to pitch,” said Swift.
Luke Craytor allowed two runs – only one earned – in the seventh, but prevented further damage. Brendan Yagesh closed the final two innings without allowing a run, recording his first save of the season.
Outside of the first inning and the seventh-inning miscue, Virginia Tech’s pitching staff limited hard contact and forced ETSU into swing-and-miss counts. After recording 12 strikeouts, the staff has now recorded double-digit strikeouts in three of their first four games, a trend Szefc believes stems from throwing strikes after adversity.
Virginia Tech pitchers issued five walks in the game, but four came in the opening inning. From the second inning on, the Hokies attacked the zone and forced ETSU to swing early in counts, limiting extended at-bats and traffic on the bases.
“They pitched well enough and allowed us to kind of climb back in it after being down by three,” said Szefc. “That’s how you win, coming from behind, but if those guys don’t pitch like that, then maybe it gets away from us.”
Offensively, Ball led the Hokies with three hits and two runs scored, continuing a strong start to the freshman’s campaign. Gates finished a home run shy of the cycle, finishing with a bunt single, a double and a triple – a performance that highlights the George Washington University transfer’s versatility and experience.
Tech relied heavily on situational hitting rather than the long ball, finishing with 11 hits while drawing consistent pressure innings against multiple ETSU arms. Although the Hokies left runners on base throughout the game, they capitalized on their biggest opportunity in the fourth.
Through four games, a pattern has emerged. Tech has not dominated from first pitch to final out, but they have responded when trailing and closed games with steady bullpen work. The Hokies are still ironing out early-season inconsistencies at the plate, but their ability to absorb pressure, throw strikes and capitalize on high-leverage innings has provided a sturdy foundation. If that trend continues, the early deficits may matter less than the way they respond to them.
The Hokies now look forward to a weekend series against the visiting Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The first game will be on Friday with a first pitch time of 4 p.m. ET.
