April 20, 2016
Hokies shut out Highlanders, 4-0
Katey Smith drives in three in the fourth
1234567RHE
Virginia Tech (24-24) 00040004130
Radford (29-16) 0000000011
  • RU Softball Stadium - 526

RADFORD, Va. - The Virginia Tech softball team’s well-balanced offense led the Hokies 4-0 victory over Radford on Wednesday night.

The Hokies outhit the Highlanders 13 hits to one, as six recorded two hits apiece. Tech ultimately secured the win by the fourth inning to improve to 24-24 on the season while Radford’s nine-game streak came to an end, holding a 29-16 mark.

Maggie Tyler made her 25th start in the circle, throwing her ninth complete-game shutout of the season and second in as many days. Tech’s ace tossed eight strikeouts on a mere two walks.

Tyler got off to a slow start in the circle, tossing one strikeout in the first inning. However, the ace got into a groove striking out seven in the last three frames.

The Hokies exploded in the fourth, driving in four runs on six hits. Chelsea Whitcomb led off the inning with a double to right field before Caroline Schoenewald advanced her to third and Kelsey Mericka brought her home on an RBI-single.

Tech’s momentum continued on a pair of hits by Casey Gerhard and Olivia Lattin to load the bases. Katey Smith rocked double to right-center, driving in three runs to give the Hokies a 4-0 lead.

The Hokies strung together a trio of singles in the second to load the bases but the Highlanders were able to end the frame on a double play.

The Highlanders threatened in the fourth with Becky Mantel single to right-center. Caitlyn Nolan trapped Radford’s Nia Chiles’ line drive to make the play at first before Lattin, Nolan, and Smith ended the inning on a 4-6-3 double play.

Despite the Highlanders’ efforts, the Hokies secured the 4-0 win. Emma Strouth, Lattin, Smith, Nolan, Whitcomb, and Mericka each recorded two hits apiece, highlighted by doubles by Mericka, Strouth, and Smith.

The Hokies return to conference play this weekend, traveling to No. 8/7 Florida State for a doubleheader at 4 p.m. Saturday and a single game Sunday at noon.

For updates on Virginia Tech softball, follow the Hokies on Twitter

HokieSports Shop