Michigan State Rides Big Second Inning, Clutch Pitching to Upset No. 12 Virginia Tech
In a gritty, back-and-forth battle to open the Queen City Classic in Charlotte, Michigan State came out swinging-literally and figuratively-knocking off previously unbeaten No. 12/14 Virginia Tech, 7-6. The win marks the Spartans’ second straight victory over a ranked opponent and their fourth consecutive win overall, pushing their record to 5-1 on the young season.
It wasn’t a flawless performance-MSU gave up a season-high 13 hits-but when it mattered most, the Spartans delivered. A six-run second inning flipped the script after falling behind early, and a combination of timely hitting and resilient relief pitching helped MSU hang on down the stretch.
Early Trouble, Then a Surge
Things didn’t start the way Michigan State would’ve drawn it up. Virginia Tech jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first two innings, capitalizing on a leadoff double and a string of singles to plate two in the first, then tacking on another with a solo homer from Rachel Castine to start the second.
Enter freshman Alyssa Galindo.
With a runner on and nobody out, Galindo came on in relief and immediately stabilized things. The freshman tossed a career-long four innings, scattering six hits, striking out three, and most importantly, keeping the Hokies from blowing the game open. Her poise in the circle gave MSU a chance to respond-and respond they did.
The Second-Inning Breakthrough
The bottom of the second was where the tide turned. The Spartans loaded the bases without recording a hit, thanks to a Virginia Tech error and a pair of walks. That’s when the bats came alive.
Freshman Kirsten Caravaca, in just her second start, delivered her first collegiate hit in a big way-a two-run single that put MSU on the board. Moments later, Kendall Smiley stepped in and ripped a two-run double to give the Spartans the lead. By the time the inning was over, MSU had put up six runs on just three hits, aided by two Hokie errors and some aggressive baserunning.
Smiley wasn’t done there. She’d go on to finish the day with two hits and a career-high three RBI, anchoring the middle of the lineup with production and poise.
Virginia Tech Fights Back
To their credit, the Hokies didn’t fold. Jordan Lynch had a monster game at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and three RBI. Her fourth-inning blast pulled Virginia Tech within a run at 6-5, and her leadoff double in the sixth set the stage for more drama.
But again, MSU had an answer.
After Lynch’s double chased Galindo from the game, sophomore Carsyn Cassady took over and slammed the door. Despite walking the first batter she faced and giving up an RBI single that cut the lead to 7-6, Cassady buckled down. She escaped the sixth with two runners stranded-one via strikeout, the other on a routine fly ball-and then retired the side in order in the seventh to lock up the save.
It was Cassady’s second save of the season, and she’s now worked 10.1 innings this year without allowing an earned run. That’s the kind of reliability every staff needs, and MSU is getting it in spades from the sophomore.
Contributions Across the Board
There were plenty of heroes in green and white. Caravaca not only notched her first hit as a Spartan, but finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Smiley’s bat came alive in a big way, while Zoie Bernard and Sydney Doloszycki each added doubles and drove in a run apiece.
Even in a game where the Spartans were outhit 13-7, they found ways to manufacture runs-capitalizing on four walks and two Virginia Tech errors. That kind of opportunistic offense, paired with clutch pitching, is the formula for pulling off upsets.
What’s Next
With momentum firmly on their side, Michigan State turns around quickly to face host team Charlotte later this evening. If the Spartans can keep stringing together timely hitting and get more strong innings from their bullpen, this early-season surge might just be the start of something bigger.
For now, though, they’ll savor this one-a gutsy, team-driven win over a top-15 opponent that showed exactly what this squad is capable of.