Well, Saturday was certainly an interesting day for Virginia Tech softball.

The Hokies split a pair of run-rule games with NC State and I continue to be amazed with this team’s resilience. And we’ve now seen it THREE different times.

In February, the Hokies lost to Clemson 8-1 only to bounce back the next game with a 9-0 run-rule win. Against Florida State, they lost 7-1 in the first game of a doubleheader only to run-rule the Noles 9-1 in the second game. And Saturday, the Pack got them 8-0 in Game 1, before the Hokie run-ruled them 12-2 in Game 2.

When a team loses badly, it would be natural to worry about their confidence, but it doesn’t seem to bother this orange and maroon bunch.

In last night’s thoughts, I noted the contrast in depth between the two teams and I thought that was a difference on Saturday. In 3 games, NC State has used exactly ONE pinch hitter – Carson Shaner, who has been inserted twice.

Meanwhile Coach D’Amour shook up his lineup in game two Saturday, inserting Cana Davis, Morgan Overaitis, and Alexa Milius as starters and he has strategically using 3 different pinch hitters during the series. In that pinch hitting role, Meredith Slaw delivered a clutch 2 run double in game two. Bottom line is that coach has options and isn’t afraid to use them.

Speaking of options, hats off to Alexa Milius for filling in for Mackenzie Lawter at catcher the last 3 innings of the second game. I’m certainly hoping that Mackenzie doesn’t have a serious hand injury after the play at the plate that ended a Pack threat. And speaking of that particular play, what a laser from center field by Darby Trull to throw out the runner.

Pitching-wise, I expect Sunday to be a matchup in the circle between Keely Rochard and Abby Trahan. Keely had a career high 8 walks on Saturday, but she made the clutch pitches when it counted. And I am comforted by having seen her get stronger in the third day of a series. We’ll see what Sunday brings.

I thought the Hokies finally figured Traham out in Game 2 Saturday. After pitching 8 scoreless innings in the first two contests, the Hokies struck for two runs in the first inning of the second game and scored 5 earned runs off of her in 3.2 innings.
Candidly, she was not unhittable in the lone Pack win, but the Hokies failed to deliver clutch hits at the right time. It is certainly possible that NC State goes with Sydney Nester on Sunday, but based on the quick hook that she got Saturday, I would be surprised if she got the start. BUT stranger things have happened.

Sunday is forecasted to be another nice day with the temperatures in the upper 60s at game time (2:00).

Let’s Go Hokies!

[Post edited by VTChip at 03/14/2021 01:08AM]