Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Virginia Tech
HERD FALLS 11-9 TO VIRGINIA TECH
4/12/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
CHARLESTON, W.Va.-The Thundering Herd baseball team fell 11-9 to Virginia Tech Wednesday at Appalachian Power Park in a heartbreaking loss as a ninth inning error with two outs that should have ended the game cost Marshall the victory.
The loss moved Marshall to 14-15 (4-8 C-USA) on the season. Virginia Tech improved to 15-17 (6-9 ACC).
Center fielder Andrew Zban led the way offensively for the Herd. The Huntington native had two hits, one run, and three RBIs thanks to a three-run bomb in the bottom of the second inning. Right Fielder Shane Hanon also hit a home run, ending the day with two hits, a run, and an RBI. It was the second homer in as many days for both players. Left fielder Tucker Linder also had a productive day with two hits, a run, three RBIs, and a walk.
Marshall's Matt Reed picked up the loss to move to 0-2 on the season despite a solid outing as The Herd's closer. Reed pitched 2/3 innings allowing four hits, three runs (zero earned), and striking out two with no walks. Three of the senior's hits and all three runs given up came after the error that should have ended the game.
Virginia Tech started off fast scoring two runs in the top of the first. Marshall responded with Hanon's solo homer to make the score 2-1 VT.
The Hokies expanded their lead for a short time in the second with another run, but it wouldn't last long as Zban's three-run bomb came in the bottom of the inning to give Marshall the 4-3 lead.
The Herd expanded its lead in the third starting with an RBI double by Peter Hutzal that scored Will Ray from third base. A double by Linder then allowed Hutzal to score from third and Robbins to score from first for the 7-3 lead.
That lead grew again in the fifth off the bat of Linder, who hit an RBI triple to score Robbins from first base.
In the seventh inning Virginia Tech got back in the game quickly scoring five runs to tie the game 8-8. Marshall broke the tie in the bottom of the inning after Kody Matthews stole second to move into scoring position and Robbins hit an RBI single to give The Herd a 9-8 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs and a man on first, Marshall's costly error occurred allowing Virginia Tech to score three runs and win the game 11-9.
Marshall ended the day with nine runs off of 12 hits with four errors. Virginia Tech racked up 11 runs off 14 hits with two errors.
Up next the Herd travels to Bowling Green to take on Western Kentucky University in a weekend C-USA series that kicks off Friday at 6 p.m.
