February 25, 2007

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The University of Minnesota spotted Virginia Tech three runs in the first inning and then used a six-run sixth inning to fuel a 7-3 victory over the Hokies on Sunday in the Homewood Suites Shootout at Riley Park.

Nate Parks (Roanoke, Va.) got the Hokies (5-3) off to a good start with a bunt-single to lead off the bottom of the first inning. Parks moved to third on a double by right fielder Sean Ryan (Asburn, Va.) and scored on a wild pitch by Minnesota starting pitcher Tyler Oakes. Ryan moved to third on the wild pitch and scored on a single off the bat of third baseman Bryan Thomas (Wilmington, N.C.). Thomas stole second base and moved to third as first baseman Sean O'Brien (Chappaqua, N.Y.) grounded out. Thomas scored the Hokies' third run on a ground out by shortstop Warren Schaeffer (Vandergrift, Pa.)

Tech starting pitcher David Cross (Scottsdale, Ariz.) pitched no-hit ball until the sixth inning when the Golden Gophers touched the senior right-hander for six runs and six hits with the help of a costly Tech fielding error. Minnesota second baseman Derek McCallum opened the inning with the Gophers' first hit, a single up the middle. McCallum advanced to third on a single by center fielder Matt Nohelty and scored while Hohelty was retired on a fielder's choice. A two-base Tech fielding error put runners at second and third for Minnesota right fielder Kyle Baran, who delivered a two-run single. After Tech recorded the second out of the inning on a ground ball, the Gophers put together three-straight hits, including back-to-back doubles by catcher Jeff DeSmidt and first baseman Bryan Jost, to take a 6-3 lead.

The Golden Gophers (3-0) added another run off Cross in the seventh on an RBI-single by left fielder Mike Mee. Cross fell to 0-2 with the loss after giving up seven runs (three earned) on seven hits. He struck out five batters and walked three.

After seeing the first three batters he faced score, Oakes settled down on the mound for Minnesota. From that point on, the sophomore right-hander allowed just two hits and three total base runners before turning things over to lefty Marcus McKenzie to start the sixth inning. McKenzie blanked the Hokies on one hit the last four innings, retiring the first nine batters he faced. Oates picked up his first win of the season, while McKenzie registered his first save.

Thomas finished with two of Tech's six hits, while Mee provided two Minnesota's eight hits.

The Hokies are not scheduled to return to action until Friday, when they start a three-game series against North Carolina A&T at English Field.