The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is home to some of the most exciting rivalries in college baseball, and the matchup between Wake Forest and Virginia Tech is no exception. As two of the conference's most storied programs, these teams have a long history of competition that spans decades. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry and what makes it so special.
The History of the Rivalry
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Virginia Tech Hokies first faced off on the diamond in 1971, with Wake Forest emerging victorious in a 6-3 win. Since then, the two teams have played each other over 100 times, with Virginia Tech holding a slight edge in the all-time series 58-55. However, it's worth noting that Wake Forest has dominated the series in recent years, winning 15 of the last 20 meetings.
The Rivalry Heats Up
Despite the Demon Deacons' recent success, the rivalry between Wake Forest and Virginia Tech has been anything but one-sided. The Hokies have had their fair share of victories, including a thrilling 10-9 win in 2019 that saw Virginia Tech come back from a 7-1 deficit to take the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Moments like these have helped to fuel the intensity of the rivalry, with both teams always seeming to bring their A-game when facing off against each other.
Key Players and Coaches
Over the years, both Wake Forest and Virginia Tech have boasted talented rosters, with several players going on to have successful careers in professional baseball. Some notable alumni include Wake Forest's Will Craig, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft, and Virginia Tech's Chad Pinder, who currently plays for the Oakland Athletics.
In terms of coaching, both programs have been led by experienced and accomplished leaders. Wake Forest's Tom Walter has been at the helm since 2010, guiding the Demon Deacons to two NCAA tournament appearances and a pair of ACC division titles. Virginia Tech's John Szefc, on the other hand, has been with the Hokies since 2018, leading the team to a pair of NCAA tournament berths and a runner-up finish in the ACC tournament.
The Rivalry's Impact on the ACC
The Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry is not only important for the two teams involved, but also for the ACC as a whole. As two of the conference's most storied programs, these teams have helped to shape the landscape of college baseball in the ACC. Their rivalry has contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport, with both teams consistently drawing large crowds and generating excitement throughout the conference.
In addition, the rivalry has also played a role in shaping the ACC's competitive balance. With both teams consistently competing for division titles and NCAA tournament berths, the rivalry has helped to push other teams in the conference to raise their level of play. This, in turn, has helped to make the ACC one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball.
The Rivalry's Future
As the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup will only continue to increase. With both teams boasting talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs, it's likely that the rivalry will remain one of the most exciting and closely watched in the ACC.
For fans of college baseball, the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech rivalry is a must-see. With its rich history, talented players, and competitive balance, this matchup has something for everyone. Whether you're a die-hard Demon Deacons or Hokies fan, or simply a fan of the sport, this rivalry is sure to deliver.
How to Watch the Rivalry
For fans who can't make it to the games in person, there are several ways to watch the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry from home. Both teams have partnerships with streaming services, including ESPN+ and ACC Network Extra, which offer live coverage of many games throughout the season.
In addition, many games are also broadcast on local television stations, including Wake Forest's home network, ACC Network, and Virginia Tech's home network, ESPN3. Fans can also listen to live radio broadcasts of the games on both teams' official websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time series record between Wake Forest and Virginia Tech?
+Virginia Tech leads the all-time series 58-55.
Who are some notable alumni of the Wake Forest and Virginia Tech baseball programs?
+Some notable alumni include Wake Forest's Will Craig, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft, and Virginia Tech's Chad Pinder, who currently plays for the Oakland Athletics.
How can I watch the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry from home?
+Both teams have partnerships with streaming services, including ESPN+ and ACC Network Extra, which offer live coverage of many games throughout the season. In addition, many games are also broadcast on local television stations, including Wake Forest's home network, ACC Network, and Virginia Tech's home network, ESPN3.
In conclusion, the Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech baseball rivalry is a must-see for fans of college baseball. With its rich history, talented players, and competitive balance, this matchup has something for everyone. Whether you're a die-hard Demon Deacons or Hokies fan, or simply a fan of the sport, this rivalry is sure to deliver.