BLACKSBURG, Va. – The William and Mary baseball team picked up a 4-1 victory on the road over in-state rival Virginia Tech on Tuesday night. It was the second time this season that the Tribe has won a game in Blacksburg, Virginia, after picking up a 7-0 victory on March 5 against the Hokies. With the win, the Tribe improves to 31-18, while Virginia Tech drops to 20-29-1.
Senior Kevin Nutter, junior Nick Thompson, and sophomore Josh Smith each collected a pair of hits in the victory for the Tribe. Sophomore Charley Gould belted his seventh home run of the season in the game.
William and Mary opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of the second inning. With one out, senior Derek Lowe started the rally with a single, moving to second on a single from Smith. A fly ball allowed for Lowe to reach third, which was folled by Nutter being hit by a pitch, loading the bases for the Tribe. The next batter, Thompson ripped a single, scoring Lowe and Smith, giving the Tribe a 2-0 lead.
The Tribe added to its lead with two more runs in the top of the fifth inning. With one-out, Gould belted a solo home run. The next batter, senior Kevin Casey singled, restarting the rally. Smith followed with a double, that scored Casey all the way from first.
Virginia Tech got on the board with a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mark Zagunis led off the inning with a single, moving to third on a one-out double by Sean Keselica. The next batter, Phil Sciretta grounded out, but it was enough score Zagunis, cutting the lead the Tribe 4-1.
The College used four different pitchers in the victory. Starting pitcher Nick Brown pitched two innings, allowed just two hits, with three strikeouts, while pitching out of a one-out bases loaded jam in the second inning. In a staff day, he was credited with his fourth win of the season.
Sophomore Andrew White was equally as impressive, tossing 3.1 innings, allowing three hits, with two strikeouts. Junior Bryson Kauhaahaa gave up one run on four hits, while striking out two in 2.2 innings of work. Sophomore Joseph Gaouette pitched the ninth inning allowing a walk, while earning his fourth save of the season.
Virginia Tech starting pitcher Aaron McGarrity was charged with his fifth loss of the season. He allowed two runs on five hits, while striking out one.
W&M concludes its regular season schedule when they travel to the College of Charleston for a three-game series this weekend. The Colonial Athletic Association series begins on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
