Virginia Tech Hosts Clemson in Key ACC Baseball Series Opener

BLACKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Virginia Tech and Clemson open a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference baseball series Thursday afternoon at English Field, with both teams jockeying for postseason positioning.

The Hokies (27-22) enter the game having won two of their last three, most recently a 11-9 victory over UNC Greensboro on Sunday. Virginia Tech’s offense has been potent, averaging over eight runs per game during that stretch.

Clemson (30-23) arrives after a 6-3 loss at South Carolina Upstate on Tuesday, snapping a two-game winning streak. The Tigers have dropped four of their last six.

First pitch is scheduled for [time] with a forecast of 69 degrees and cloudy skies.

Players to watch

Clemson two-way player Talan Bell has been effective on the mound of late. In his most recent appearance Tuesday, he tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out five. Bell also recorded two scoreless innings against South Carolina Upstate on April 21. At the plate, however, he is hitless in his last six at-bats over four games.

Virginia Tech designated hitter Sam Grube has been one of the hottest hitters in the conference. He went 3 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs in Sunday’s win over UNC Greensboro. Over his last five games, Grube is batting .375 with three homers and seven RBIs.

Recent results

Clemson’s Tuesday loss saw strong bullpen work from Landon Fowler (2.0 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 2 K) and Justin LeGuernic (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K). The Tigers dropped two of three at home to Florida State last weekend and lost two of three at Louisville in late April.

Virginia Tech’s Sunday win featured Willie Hurt going 3 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs, plus 3.2 solid innings from reliever Ethan Grim (4 H, 2 ER, 5 K). The Hokies took two of three at California last weekend.

Projections

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Virginia Tech victory, while the Interstat ELO system gives Clemson a 57.6 percent probability to win.

The two teams continue the series Friday and Saturday at English Field, with both games also starting in the afternoon.