May 24, 2002

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Notre Dame baseball team fashioned a four-run rally in the top of the eighth en route to an 8-4 win over Virginia Tech, sending the Irish on to Saturday’s championship round in the double-elimination BIG EAST Baseball Championship.

Notre Dame (43-14) – winners of nine straight and 25 of the last 27 – will face the winner of Friday night’s elimination game between Rutgers and Virginia Tech. Even if the Irish lose Saturday’s first game (3:30 EDT), Notre Dame still could claim the tournament title by winning the 7:00 rematch.

The Irish have yet to name a starter for Saturday’s first game, with the top options including junior righthander Peter Ogilvie and freshman righthander John Axford.

Check back to und.com later tonight for a complete recap (with quotes and a possible photo gallery) and a preview of the title matchup.