April 3, 2011
Rash hits 10th in loss to Virginia
The Cavaliers take Sunday's game, 10-2, as Andrew Rash homers again.
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(2) Virginia (28-2) 00500013110110
Virginia Tech (14-16) 000002000282
  • English Field - 2,456

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Nationally second-ranked Virginia used a big third inning to spark a 10-2 Atlantic Coast Conference baseball victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday at English Field. The win gave the visiting Cavaliers a sweep of the series that improved their record to 28-2, including 11-1 in the ACC. Tech is now 14-16 overall and 1-11 in league play.

The Cavaliers used a five-run, four-hit third inning to open the scoring. First baseman John Hicks drove in the first run with an RBI-single, and later in the inning, David Coleman and Jared King contributed back-to-back, two-out, two-run doubles.

As in the first two games, Tech got on the board via the long ball. This time it came in the sixth inning, courtesy of left fielder Andrew Rash’s 10th home run of the season. The two-run blast to deep left field was preceded by a single from first baseman Ronnie Shaban. All of the Hokies’ runs during the weekend series scored on homers.

Tech center fielder Tony Balisteri collected three of the Hokies’ eight hits in the contest, while Shaban added two. Senior right-hander Joe Parsons (4-2) started on the mound and took the loss. Parsons threw two scoreless innings before throwing 41 pitches during the third inning. He allowed five runs on six hits during his three innings. He struck out two batters and did not issue a walk.

Virginia finished the game with 11 hits, tacking on five runs, four of which were unearned, over the final three innings. Shortstop Chris Taylor reached on a single and moved to second on a throwing error to start the seventh. Taylor eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Hicks.

A Tech fielding error opened the door for three more Cavalier runs a frame later with Keith Werman laying down a squeeze bunt for the first score and Taylor and John Barr driving in runs with infield singles. A pinch-hit double by Tyler Biddix in the ninth closed out the scoring.

Starting pitcher Cody Winiarski worked five scoreless innings for Virginia to improve his record to 4-1. Winiarski allowed four hits, struck out two batters and walked one. Corey Hunt allowed the two-run home run to Rash, Kyle Crockett worked 2 1/3 scoreless frames and Branden Kline closed the game with a scoreless ninth.

Tech is scheduled to return to action Tuesday with a 6 p.m., non-conference game at VMI.

For updates on Virginia Tech baseball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Baseball).

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