In an exciting first round match of the 2025 ACC Baseball Championship, the 12th-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies triumphed over the 13th-seeded Stanford Cardinal, securing a 7-4 victory on May 20 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia Tech improved its season record to 31-24, while Stanford fell to 27-25.
The game started with Stanford taking a slight lead in the third inning due to a wild pitch. However, Virginia Tech quickly responded, leveling the match with a Hudson Lutterman RBI-double. The Hokies took control in the fourth inning, notching two runs from RBI singles by Jackson Cherry and Cam Pittman, advancing the score to 3-1.
A solo home run from Stanford in the fifth closed the gap, but Virginia Tech responded with a rally in the sixth, highlighted by a two-run single from Clay Grady. They extended their lead with a solo shot from Mycah Jordan in the seventh, bringing the score to 7-2. Despite a late two-run home run from Stanford’s Jimmy Nati in the ninth, Virginia Tech held on for the win.
Overall, Virginia Tech’s offense was well-rounded, featuring hits from eight players and notable contributions from Grady and Pittman, who each drove in two runs. The Hokies’ pitching also had a strong performance, with Preston Crowl earning the win and Grant Manning securing a save.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will face the fifth-seeded Clemson Tigers on May 21, providing another opportunity for the Hokies to demonstrate their competitive spirit and aiming for a deep run in the championship. As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build, showcasing the fierce competition and spirit inherent in college baseball.