By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Christiansburg High School is having one of its most outstanding baseball seasons in years, and one of the reasons is the pitching of Brady Kirtner, who is currently 4-0 with an earned run average of 1.47. He also has 56 strikeouts this season. This comes on the heels of Kirtner being named second team all-conference pitcher this past season.
Friday, he committed to continue his playing career next year at Virginia Tech.
“I have grown up a Virginia Tech fan, and it’s gonna be a dream come true to be able to put on a Hokie uniform and compete in the ACC,” he said.
The Hokies started showing interest in him about seven months ago and are looking him as a pitcher.
At the plate, Kirtner has hit a homerun and 16 RBIs with a .351 batting average.
His goal is to pitch his freshman year in Blacksburg and help make an impact for the team.
The Hokies are currently 24-21, and John Szefc is his second year at the helm of the squad.
Szefc accepted the position after leading Maryland to three NCAA appearances and a 180-122 (.596) overall record as the Terrapins’ head coach. He owned a 392-259-3 (.602) career record in 12 seasons as an NCAA head coach, producing 10 campaigns with 30 or more wins before arriving in Blacksburg.
The Hokies currently have 13 pitchers on the roster with four upperclassmen.
Kirtner plans to seek an Information systems degree.
