The Virginia baseball team has been finding ways to win games. Whether through an offensive explosion like the Cavaliers had against Virginia Tech Wednesday, an extra-innings win over Maryland on April 17, or a late comeback like on April 3 against Duke, Virginia (34-7, 14-4 ACC) has managed to end up on the winning side of the fight.
"We're finding a way to win," pitcher/first baseman Joe Koshansky said. "I think that's a testament to the style of play that we've brought to the field all year long. We're never out of it, and we just keep battling to the end."
The Cavaliers, who have not been defeated since a March 28th loss to N.C. State, hope to extend their school record 14-game winning streak when the team travels south to face No. 4 Miami (28-8) in a three game series this weekend.
The series with the Hurricanes, a perennial baseball powerhouse, will be an important challenge for Virginia for two reasons, according to outfielder Matt Street.
"Definitely, just for postseason aspirations -- that's number one," the senior said. "Number two is to send a message to the rest of the country: We're here."
The Cavaliers are coming off a lopsided 21-10 victory over Virginia Tech, which Virginia head coach Brian O'Conner thinks will help his team prepare to face Miami.
"We needed this offensively, because we've had a lot of games where we've won by one or two runs -- won by pitching and defense," O'Conner said. "But for the confidence of our hitters, we needed a game like this. What a better time to get it going into the Miami series."
Virginia will send three of its best pitchers to the mound in the series. Andrew Dobies is expected to start tonight's game. Dobies leads all Virginia starters with a 1.83 ERA and leads the entire staff in strikeouts with 72. Miami will counter the left-handed Dobies with a southpaw of its own, J.D. Crockett. Crockett is only 3-3 on the year, but in his most recent start, he shut out No. 14 Florida State over seven innings of work.
The second game will feature a showdown between Virginia's Matt Avery and Miami's Cesar Carmillo. Carmillo leads the Hurricanes in wins with six. Avery will head into the game with a record of 4-1 and an ERA of 2.64.
The final game of the series will be another matchup between southpaws. The Cavaliers will send Koshansky (6-1, 2.38 ERA) to the mound, while the Hurricanes start Brandon Camardese (4-1, 3.92).
Virginia will bring its aggressive style of play to Miami. The Cavaliers have stolen 76 bases this season, which dwarfs last year's total of 58. Virginia, however, is not the only team in this series that can burn up the base path. The Hurricanes have stolen 88 bases in 111 attempts. Miami's opponents have stolen 22 bases in 29 attempts, so the percentages look good for the Cavaliers.
Virginia also has played well on the road. The Cavaliers are 17-3 this season away from home, losing only to Old Dominion and N.C. State this season. But Miami will be a much different challenge for the Cavaliers. As impressive as Virginia's road record is, Miami's record at Mark Light Stadium is just as impressive. The Hurricanes are 21-4 at home.
"It's gonna be a tough environment -- we're gonna be the visiting team on the scoreboard for three games," O'Conner said. "It's gonna be a tremendous challenge, but I think our kids will really look forward to it."
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