Virginia Tech’s baseball program celebrated a double dose of accolades as the Atlantic Coast Conference announced its year‑end awards for the 2026 season, honoring junior right‑hander Brett Renfrow on the All‑ACC Second Team and freshman shortstop Ethan Ball on the All‑Freshman Team.
Renfrow’s Veteran Mastery
Renfrow capped a breakout year with a 5‑2 record and a 4.60 earned‑run average, striking out 69 batters in just 69 ⅔ innings across ten ACC starts. His dominance shone brightest in a 12‑strikeout outing against Stanford, and he closed the regular season by winning his final four conference games, posting a 1.53 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP against top‑60 RPI opponents.
Freshman phenom Ethan Ball quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Hokies’ lineup, batting .304 with a 1.010 OPS and amassing 58 hits, 17 doubles, 13 home runs and 47 RBIs. Ball’s .607 slugging percentage and .994 fielding percentage underscored his all‑around impact, while his 21‑game on‑base streak and a walk‑off homer against Rutgers highlighted his clutch pedigree.
Championship Momentum
Both players will now co‑lead Virginia Tech into the 2026 ACC Baseball Championship at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina. Seeded seventh, the Hokies open play on May 20 against the winner of the Notre Dame‑Clemson matchup, a test that could propel them deeper into the tournament.
The recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also signals a promising future for a program that has historically produced standout talent. With Renfrow’s seasoned poise and Ball’s youthful vigor, Virginia Tech looks poised to translate its regular‑season momentum into a championship run that could reverberate beyond the ACC.