Five-Run Seventh Inning Lifts Stanford Past Virginia Tech

The Cardinal rallied late to defeat the Hokies 9-7 in their ACC matchup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:26am

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Virginia Tech built an early lead and matched Stanford offensively for much of the game, but a five-run eighth inning proved decisive as the Hokies fell 9-7 at English Field. Stanford struck first with a two-run homer in the top of the first, but Virginia Tech answered to tie it at 2-2 in the second. The teams traded leads throughout, with the Hokies taking a 5-4 advantage in the fifth on Ethan Gibson's two-run blast. However, Stanford erupted for five runs in the eighth, capped by Teddy Torkheim's three-run homer, to regain control. Virginia Tech made a late push but ultimately fell short.

Why it matters

This ACC matchup between Stanford and Virginia Tech featured two teams looking to gain ground in the conference standings. The Cardinal's late-inning comeback showcased their offensive firepower and resilience, while the Hokies' inability to hold the lead highlighted areas for improvement as they aim to climb the ACC ladder.

The details

Stanford struck first with a two-run homer from Teddy Torkheim in the top of the first, but Virginia Tech responded in the second with a two-run single from Pete Daniel to tie the game at 2-2. The teams traded leads throughout, with the Hokies taking a 5-4 advantage in the fifth on Ethan Gibson's two-run blast. However, Stanford erupted for five runs in the eighth, capped by Torkheim's three-run homer, to regain control. Virginia Tech made a late push, scoring two runs in the eighth, but ultimately fell short.

  • Stanford struck first with a two-run homer in the top of the first.
  • Virginia Tech tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the second.
  • Stanford regained the lead with a solo homer in the third.
  • Virginia Tech took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth on Ethan Gibson's two-run blast.
  • Stanford scored five runs in the top of the eighth to take a 9-5 lead.

The players

Teddy Torkheim

A Stanford player who hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a three-run homer in the eighth inning to lead the Cardinal's comeback.

Pete Daniel

A Virginia Tech player who tied his career high with four hits and drove in two runs with a two-out, two-run single in the second inning.

Ethan Gibson

A Virginia Tech player who hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to give the Hokies a 5-4 lead.

John Szefc

The head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Trevor Moore

The closer for Stanford who struck out the side in the ninth inning to secure the win for the Cardinal.

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What they’re saying

“Their best players beat our best players. They went to three batters that had four home runs, and I think combined for eight RBIs. They're really good. Stanford is really good... they're way better than we are right now.”

— John Szefc, Virginia Tech Head Coach

“As hitters, we had a good process. Just come back and do the same thing.”

— Pete Daniel, Virginia Tech Player

“It was awesome to see [Gibson's home run]. He's such a hard worker and a great guy... really happy for him.”

— Pete Daniel, Virginia Tech Player

What’s next

Virginia Tech will look to even the series on Saturday with Brett Renfrow on the mound.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the offensive firepower of Stanford, as their best players came through in the clutch to rally past Virginia Tech. The Hokies showed fight and consistency at the plate, but ultimately couldn't match Stanford's late-inning surge. The series will continue on Saturday as Virginia Tech aims to even things up.