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2017 Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball Preview

By Mike McDaniel

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies fans hold up signs during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies fans hold up signs during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; The moon rises over Lane Stadium during the game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; The moon rises over Lane Stadium during the game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

The Infield

The Hokies will return many of the same contributors from last season in the infield, except for first baseman Phil Sciretta, who is lost due to graduation. Replacing him at first base is redshirt-junior Sam Fragale, who brings infield experience over from third base, as well as a .267 batting average from last season to go along with seven home runs and 37 RBIs.

At third base, a transfer from East Carolina, Jack Owens, will fill the void left by Sam Fragale moving across the diamond. After sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, all will be able to see what Owens is made of for the first time in maroon and orange. For his career, Owens has gone 1-for-2 with a single and a hit-by-pitch in three career plate appearances (all with the Pirates).

Up the middle, the most integral part of any infield, the Hokies are returning starters in second baseman Matt Dauby and shortstop Ryan Tufts. Dauby and Tufts are two of the best middle infielders defensively in the conference, and will look to continue providing modest offensive output as well. Dauby hit .255 with three homers and 17 RBIs last season, while Tufts was one of the best hitters on the 2016 Hokies, posting a .284 average with three home runs, 15 doubles, and 31 RBIs.

The lone position remaining is the backstop, junior catcher Joe Freiday, Jr. Freiday, Jr. will be looking to not only look quell the ills of the pitching staff, but bring experienced defense and an offensive punch to the table as well. The pitchers are confident with him behind the plate, and with an extended role now as a starter, will hope to raise his batting average from the .226 mark that he posted last season. Freiday, Jr. hit 3 home runs and 14 RBIs in 93 at-bats in 2016.

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