Blacksburg, Virginia – The Panthers surrendered a late lead to No. 13 Virginia Tech in Thursday's series opener, losing 5-3.
This is the first time Pitt's pitching staff has not allowed a walk in a game since May 2022, when they defeated Louisville in the ACC Tournament.
Jayden Melendez In the top of the first inning, tied at 1-4, he hit a solo home run over the left field, his seventh of the season. Justin Fogel In the 4th inning, he hit a two-run double to make it 1-3. Jake Kendro In the 7th inning, he singled to make it 1-3.
ryan andrade Pitt got off to the best start of his career this afternoon. Andrade pitched a career-high six innings today, allowing five hits and two runs, striking out five batters, and not allowing a walk. matt porter He struck out his team in the bottom of the 8th inning, giving the Panthers another quality relief appearance. Phil Fox He allowed one hit in 0.2 innings, marking his seventh shutout pitch of the year.
The Panthers entered the game with a lead for the first time in four games. Jayden Melendez In the bottom of the first inning, 1-0, he jumped into the at-bat and hit a solo home run over the left field.
ryan andrade The Panthers escaped with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning. Jake Kendro He brought it to the middle himself, resulting in a double play that ended the inning. Pitt led 1-0.
Pitt added two more runs in the top of the fourth. Luke Cantwell and Tyler Bischke Each walk was successful, and the Panthers had two outs and runners on first and second base. Justin Fogel Pitt hit a two-run double into the gap between right-center and took a 3-0 lead.
The Hokies got two points back with two runs to center field, and the Panthers finished with four runs to take a 3-2 lead.
After the home run, ryan andrade He retired the next nine batters in order. It was the longest start of his career, allowing just two runs and no walks.
After Andrade left after the sixth inning, the Hokies scored three unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh and took a 5-3 lead.
matt porter He came out of the bullpen in the bottom of the 8th inning and got a strikeout, keeping the game to two runs.
Luke Cantwell He drew a walk in the top of the 9th inning, but was stranded at first as the Panthers lost Game 1.
