On a night full of reminiscing at Davenport Field, the Cavaliers fought hard in a game that they will soon try to forget. No. 3 Virginia suffered a tough 7-6 loss to James Madison.While many fans were attracted by "Turn Back the Clock Night" at the park, featuring throwback uniforms and old-time music, they were also treated to a 14-inning classic of a baseball game. The contest was the longest ever played at the field.
The Dukes (17-25, 7-12 CAA) exploded for a five-run 14th inning as senior third baseman Rob Altieri had a two-RBI single with the bases loaded and two outs. Senior left fielder Mitchell Moses then piled it on for the Dukes, knocking a three-run home run (second of the game) that barely sneaked over the right-field wall. For the first 13 innings of baseball, Virginia's usually high-powered offense simply was unable to string together hits.
"We couldn't get the bats going. It was almost like we were reacting to the game," senior right fielder Brandon Marsh said. "They score one, we score one, they score five, we score four, and it's pretty tough. We just couldn't get going."
Consistent with the team's "never quit" attitude, Virginia (34-10, 13-7 ACC) was able to come up with a four-run rally in the bottom of the 14th. Virginia was finally able to find its usual offensive swagger as the Cavaliers repeatedly found ways to get on base. Nine Virginia players made plate appearances in a wild 14th inning that included RBIs from freshman shortstop Tyler Cannon, sophomore third baseman Greg Miclat, Marsh and sophomore second baseman David Adams.
Though neither team lit up the scoreboard until the last inning, both clubs received stellar efforts from their pitching staffs. Cavalier starting pitcher Pat McAnaney pitched admirably, throwing 4 1/3 innings, giving up only one run on five hits and striking out five. The Virginia pitching staff combined for a season-high 20 strikeouts. For the Dukes, junior starting pitcher Trevor Kaylid went 6 1/3, giving up only one run on six hits.
"We battled back in the bottom of the inning and showed a little bit of what we're made of, but we have to tip our hat to JMU," Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. They threw their best pitchers out there the back half of the ball game and they deserve the win."
Although Virginia suffered a heart-breaking loss, the Cavaliers get only one day off before starting a three-game series against ACC opponent Maryland Friday night at Davenport.
"They have to digest this win and then flush it out," O'Connor said. "They have to wake up tomorrow morning with a smile on their face and get ready to play Maryland. That's what you have to do in this game. You turn around in 48 hours and have another three game series to play."
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