The Hampton Pirates visit Blacksburg Sunday for a doubleheader with the Hokies. First pitch is set for 1:00.

Hampton comes to Blacksburg with an overall record of 12-17 and an RPI of 279. After sweeping Mercer, thanks to Chelsea Whitcomb’s walk off home run, the Hokies have an overall record of 17-16, 9-3 in the ACC with an RPI of 43. Interestingly, both the Pirates and Hokies played a doubleheader with Liberty earlier this week and both teams won game won game 1 (Hampton 7-5, VT 8-1) before losing game 2 (Hampton 13-1, VT 2-1).

The Pirates and Hokies both average a little over 4 runs per game – the difference is pitching. Hampton has a team ERA of 7.29 while the Hokies have a team ERA of 3.81.

The Pirates can hit the ball, however. They have 5 players hitting .295 or better, led by Freshman Hope Sobelewski (.359 average) and Senior Taylor McCoy (.352 average). They do not have great power, however, as they have only hit 7 homeruns this season.

Their workhorse in the circle has been Allie Hotetz who has pitched 88.2 innings and has an ERA of 6.90.

On the Hokies side, Lauren Duff has extended her hitting streak to 14 games by going 3 for 6 versus Mercer and leads the team with a batting average of .397. Fellow freshman Caitlyn Nolan is hitting at a .338 mark. Katie Smith had a good day Saturday (3 for 7 with 3 RBIs) and has moved her average over .250.

After 9.2 scoreless innings against Mercer, Senior Maggie Tyler (14-9) has lowered her ERA to 2.71.

The Hokies need to keep the pedal to the medal on Sunday. They left 11 runners on base in game 2 Saturday against Mercer and it almost cost them dearly. They need to get the Sunday sweep and get ready for a huge challenge on Wednesday when #6/#7 James Madison comes to town. But first things first – Pound the Pirates and GET BETTER.

The forecast calls for sunny skies with the temps in the mid 50s so it should be another pleasant day at Tech Softball Park.

Let’s GO HOKIES!!!!