In this edition of Virginia Tech News, a former Hokies baseball pitcher is headed to the World Series, Elizabeth Kitley receives another preseason honor, and more.

Virginia Tech baseball fans will have a rooting interest in the World Series

Former Hokies baseball pitcher Joe Mantiply is four wins away from winning the World Series with his Arizona Diamondbacks teammates. The Dbacks showed resilience by coming back from deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies in seven games during the National League Championship Series. What’s even more surprising is that Arizona managed to win Games 6 and 7 in Philadelphia, shocking the defending National League champions.

In the crucial Game 7, Mantiply was called in from the bullpen by manager Torey Lovullo in the bottom of the fifth inning to relieve Brandon Pfaadt. Although his outing was brief, with only 0.2 innings and one hit allowed on six pitches, it played a significant role in maintaining Arizona’s 3-2 lead.

It’s noteworthy that very few people predicted a World Series matchup between Texas and Arizona, but the unexpected has happened. Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. As the series progresses, we can expect Mantiply to continue to be placed in crucial high-leverage situations on baseball’s biggest stage.

Elizabeth Kitley was named Preseason All-American

Virginia Tech center Elizabeth Kitley has been receiving numerous preseason accolades. She has been recognized as an AP Preseason All-American for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Kitley, a graduate student, is leading a talented team that is ranked No. 8 in the country to start the season and has aspirations of returning to the Final Four.