Maybe Virginia shouldn't schedule Old Dominion for its home opener in the future. After tying Old Dominion in the 2000 home opener 14-14, the Cavaliers fell to the Monarchs 5-1 in this year's home opener.
In contrast to last year when the Cavaliers jumped out to a 6-2 lead after two innings, the Monarchs soared ahead 5-0 in the first three innings. The fast start was highlighted by a two-run home run by Old Dominion third baseman Justin Gregula off Virginia starting pitcher Pat McAnaney in the third inning. McAnaney left the game after the third inning, allowing five runs, seven hits and striking out four.
"It comes down to starting pitching," Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. "You get yourself quality starts in a ball game you have a chance to win. They did, we didn't. Pat looked like he didn't have it today. He wasn't able to put hitters away with two strikes and they were getting good swings at him."
Offensively, the Cavaliers could only muster one run in the game. Right fielder Tim Henry singled in the fourth inning, driving first baseman Sean Doolittle home.
This is not to say the Cavaliers did not have their own opportunities, though. With runners on second and third in the fourth inning and two outs, third baseman Jeremy Farrell flied out to left field. In the sixth inning with runners at first and second with two outs, designated hitter Tom Hagan flied out to left field as well.
"I was disappointed in our two-strike approach today a little bit," O'Connor said.
Old Dominion pitcher Kevin Gunter pitched a complete game, going the distance and allowing seven hits while only giving up one run.
"He threw the ball very well -- there is a reason why he is the number one starter and he showed it today," O'Connor said.
One bright spot for the Cavaliers, however, was their relief pitchers.
"Although I don't think [Robert Poutier] was at his best it was good to get him out there and get him three good solid innings," O'Connor said. "Shooter Hunt threw the ball very, very well. I think [Hunt] showed what he is capable of doing and why he was such a highly touted recruit out of high school. He made a big step forward today and showed what he is capable of doing."
Besides poor play, one of the bigger problems for the Cavaliers in the game was the level of intensity at which the team was playing.
"Overall as a team I was very disappointed in our intensity level," O'Connor said. "We cannot expect to play the game like we did today and win against a good team like Old Dominion."
This lack of intensity stemmed from a poor practice Monday, according to Virginia first baseman/pitcher Sean Doolittle.
"The intensity wasn't there like it usually was for whatever reason," he said. "When that happens you've got to come back the next day, whether it be a game or at practice, and step it up -- we didn't do that today."
Virginia team captain Tom Hagan echoed what Doolittle said.
"Yesterday we didn't come out ready to play" at practice, Hagan said. "That's not an excuse and that's not going to happen again."
The Cavaliers hope that won't be an issue this weekend when they play their first home series against Towson.
"The approach we had as a team was unacceptable," O'Connor said. "I am anticipating we will come out Friday and it will be better."
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