Syracuse Wins Against Virginia Tech with a Walk-Off

By James Groh

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Second baseman Alicia Hansen propelled Syracuse to a walk-off win over Virginia Tech, 2-1.

Hansen went two for four on the day, including the walk off single. She was one of only three SU players to register more than one hit. The game was highlighted by stellar pitching from the Orange’s AnnaMarie Gatti and the Hokies’ Elizabeth Birle.

Both pitchers only combined for three strikeouts each, but they hit all their spots and didn’t give their opponent a good ball to make contact with. After the game, head coach Mike Bosch said he was impressed with Gatti’s performance.

“I thought she mixed the change up in there well,” he said. “Got ahead of batters. Didn’t really put anyone on base herself. I thought it was a really successful outing for her.”

Gatti pitched four and two-thirds innings.

However, it was Hansen who was the difference maker in the game. Both teams were locked at one run a piece for six and a half innings. Then in the bottom of the seventh with two outs and no one on, shortstop Sammy Fernandez chopped a single over the Hokies pitcher’s head.

Just a few pitches later, Hansen hit a high fly ball that made its way into deep center field. Fernandez’s speed allowed her to round third and beat the throw to home.

This was Hansen’s first career walk-off. She said that during her at bat, she didn’t let the situation get to her head.

“To be completely honest I don’t feel pressure… I’m confident in myself that I can go up and do it,” she said.

Syracuse tallied just seven hits, but none more important than the last one from Hansen.

Other stand outs for the Orange included first baseman and designated hitter Faith Cain. She went two for three on the day with an RBI single in the first inning to give Syracuse the early lead.

Syracuse improves to 29-18 (9-10) while Virginia Tech drops to 19-33 (5-18). SU is riding a three game win streak going into the last matchup of the weekend series against Virginia Tech tomorrow. It’s also Senior Day, so the team will be honoring National Player of the Year candidate Sydney O’Hara and Alyssa Dewes in the pregame ceremony. First pitch is scheduled for noon.