Hokies walk off against FSU

Mark Zagunis hit a massive walk-off homer over the left field wall in the bottom of the ninth to give #6 seed Virginia Tech a 3-2 win over #2 seed Florida State on Thursday night in Durham.  If the Hokies defeat #7 seed Georgia Tech on Friday, they will play for the ACC Championship on Sunday.

Brad Markey, who beat FSU 3-2 during the regular season, pitched a magnificent game.  He went 8.1 innings and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out 10.  He took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning before allowing two runs, but Zagunis was able to erase the Florida State rally with his homer in the ninth.

Seminole starter Luke Weaver was outstanding as well, going 6.1 innings and allowing two runs while striking out nine batters.  Zagunis and Andrew Rash provided the two RBI’s that put Tech up 2-0 in the seventh inning.

In the span of just three pitches by Weaver in that seventh inning:

• Tyler Horan singled.
• Zagunis tripled to right-center, scoring Horan.
• Rash flied out to left, and Zagunis scored.

FSU came into the game with a 44-13 record, and the Noles are currently ranked #7 in the Baseball America top 25.  The Hokies have defeated them in three of their four meetings this season.  Tech has also beaten #5 UVA in three of four meetings, and they were ranked #11 in the RPI before Thursday’s game, along with the #4 strength of schedule in the country.

Tomorrow the Hokies will face Georgia Tech at 3pm, and if the Hokies win, they will advance to Sunday’s ACC Championship Game.  The game can be seen online on ESPN3, and also on RSN.  For DirecTV users, check channel 642. For DISH Network users, check channel 424 and other alternate sports channels in the 400s.

Pete Hughes elected to go with Brad Markey on Thursday, instead of the usual #2 starter Devin Burke.  Burke will get the ball tomorrow against the Yellow Jackets.  He beat them 6-2 earlier this season, allowing just two runs over eight innings.  He is 9-3 with a 3.49 ERA on the season.