The Virginia baseball team endured a shaky first inning and defeated Coppin State 12-1 yesterday to improve their record to 23-5 overall, 9-6 in the ACC. The win also allowed the Cavaliers to continue their best start in program history.
"I think it is a testament to all the hard work we put in in the fall," Tom Hagan said. "The older guys showed the young guys the ropes."
Starting pitcher Josh Myers struggled with his location in the first inning, walking three batters. The defense was not up to par either, committing two errors -- both by first baseman Sean Doolittle. One of Doolittle's errors allowed Coppin State centerfielder Amiel Traynum to score unearned. However, Myers got out of that jam and did not allow a single run after that. He pitched six innings, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out four.
"He struggled with his command a little bit early on," Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. "But it was nice to see him settle in. It was so important for us with back-to-back mid-week games that somebody goes out there and gives us a good start and be able to pitch deep into the game."
Doolittle's two errors were uncharacteristic, as were the team's four errors in the game.
"He didn't make the right decision on throwing the ball to second base, and he knows it," O'Connor said. "I told the team after the game that we need to come out tomorrow ready to play right away and eliminate that last column on the scoreboard and put a zero on it."
The Cavaliers secured the lead in the bottom of the second inning, scoring three runs. Third baseman Jeremy Farrell hit into a 6-4-3 double play but allowed second baseman David Adams to score. In the next at-bat, backup catcher Ryan Hudson hit a RBI double to left to score outfielder Brandon Guyer. Designated hitter John Scaglione hit and RBI single to center to score Hudson to complete the scoring in the second.
The Cavaliers also put up three runs in the fifth, highlighted by an Adams RBI single on a well-executed hit and run play that scored shortstop Greg Miclat. Later in the inning, Hagan hit a two-RBI single which scored Adams and Doolittle.
Coppin State starting pitcher Jesus Melendez dropped to 0-2 on the year by allowing seven hits and seven runs over five innings.
Hagan was one of the key players in the game, going 4-4 with five RBI. Hagan, usually either a designated hitter or first baseman, saw action in left field against the Eagles.
"I like being in the lineup wherever coach puts me," Hagan said. "I'm going to come out and play hard wherever coach puts me."
The win also provided the opportunity for some reserve players to play, including Scaglione, Hudson and infielders Mike Campagna and Patrick Wingfield.
"We got a chance to give a lot of guys some at-bats and things like that," O'Connor said. "We really don't have that many reserve players right now. There are number of guys banged up. You are limited on what your options are, and it was good to get everybody out there."
One starter who did not play was outfielder Tim Henry, who was hit by a pitch in the knee in Sunday's win against Wake Forest.
"I hope he can play tomorrow night," O'Connor said. "But we need to have him on the weekend."
The Cavaliers complete their homestand tonight against Norfolk State at 5 p.m.
Read More
Virginia baseball has an ace up its sleeve and in its bullpen — Dean Kampschror
By Xander Tilock | 8 hours agoThe senior pitcher is exactly what the Cavaliers need to succeed in 2025.
Wrestling gets blown out 34-9 on long road trip to Stanford
By Ryan Weiner | YesterdaySolid performances from its most reliable trio were not enough for Virginia.
Freshman excellence powers No. 5 men’s tennis past Boise State, No. 19 Alabama
By Thomas Baxter | 2 days agoVirginia, unlike many other regional hosts, held serve as its quartet's top seed.
