WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Junior
Aaron Fernandez twirled seven plus strong innings as he helped set the tone for William and Mary baseball's 5-1 victory over in-state foe Virginia Tech on Tuesday night at Plumeri Park. With the win, the Tribe wins its fourth straight and improves to 8-4, while the Hokies fall to 7-9.
Freshman Cullen Large led the Tribe attack going 4-for 5 with a double and a run scored. Senior Willie Shaw blasted a grand-slam, while sophomore Matthew Tilley drove in the Tribe's other run.
W&M struck first with a run in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, sophomore Tim Hoehn started the rally with a single. After an out, Tilley roped a double into the right center field gap, scoring Hoehn all the way from first.
The Tribe exploded for four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior Devin White led off the inning with a walk, followed by a single from Tilley. With an out, a Hokie error put runners on the corners. The next batter, Large reached on a bunt single loading the bases. Shaw followed with a towering shot over the right field wall. The grand slam gave W&M a 5-0 lead.
Virginia Tech scratched across its lone run in the top of the eighth inning. Alex Perez led off the inning with a double to the left center field gap, before Erik Payne walked and Brendon Hayden was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. The next batter, Phil Sciretta grounded into a double play, scoring Perez. The run cut the Tribe lead to 5-1. Junior Andrew White was able to get the final out, minimizing the damage.
Fernandez was sensational on the mound, having his best career outing. He allowed just one run, scattering five hits, and striking out four Hokies. Andrew White and freshman Robert White combined to throw the last two innings of scoreless baseball. Robert White picked up two strikeouts in his scoreless ninth.
Hissey also collected three hits in the game with a double as the Tribe out hit the Hokies 11-5 in the game as well.
The College and Hokies conclude their two game series tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10 at Plumeri Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
