After a series loss to NC State, Virginia baseball returned to the commonwealth with a chance to get back in the win column at VCU. With an impressive early offensive performance, the Cavaliers (18-13, 7-8 ACC) did just that — slugging past the Rams (10-22, 4-8 Atlantic 10) 13-0.
Like previous games, Virginia’s offense started off hot. A double from junior outfielder Aidan Teel put the Cavaliers in a good position, and a single from sophomore infielder Henry Ford drove him in. Later on, junior catcher Trey Wells launched a triple to deep center field past the outstretched arms of sophomore outfielder Trent Adelman, scoring two more runs. A single from junior outfielder Harrison Didawick scored the fourth and final run of the inning, setting Virginia up for success after the first frame.
“Total collective effort tonight offensively, a lot of great things,” Coach Brian O’Connor said. “Just a complete ballgame, and it was nice to see that our guys are resilient.”
The second inning was much of the same, with the Cavaliers boarding two baserunners early. Sophomore infielder Eric Becker made the most of this opportunity, driving a double to center field to score a fifth Virginia run. Ford then got his second RBI of the day with a groundout to score junior infielder Luke Hanson.
It seemed as if the Cavaliers had saved up all their offense for quite some time, as they continued to pour the runs on in the fourth inning. The bases were loaded from a hit by pitch and two singles, and they were very quickly unloaded. Junior designated hitter Chris Arroyo scored the first run with a single, while a walk and a single later in the inning scored the other two runs plus Arroyo. This extended the lead to 10-0, putting the Rams on the brink of the mercy rule.
To secure the mercy rule, Becker launched a long shot into the night in the seventh inning, scoring three after both Teel and Hanson were walked. Ford followed this up with a two-base error, and he advanced to third with a groundout from junior outfielder Walker Buchanan.
The victory was an impressive one, and was sorely needed after a rough showing on offense Sunday. However, the starting pitching was also exceptional for Virginia. Junior pitcher Bradley Hodges got the start, and went five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out seven. Hodges could be the answer to the Cavaliers’ pitching problem if he continues this play, as his earned run average is down to just 1.17.
“[Hodges] was certainly the player of the game for us,” O’Connor said. “When you get a starter that goes out there and throws five innings and gets you to the sixth and throws a shutout on the road, it was certainly impressive.”
Unfortunately, the bullpen was shaky yet again. Sophomore pitcher Drew Koenen loaded the bases immediately in his appearance, allowing a hit and two free passes via a hit by pitch and a walk. With the pressure on, Koenen was able to force a ground ball from Adelman, which was converted into an inning-ending double play.
Junior pitcher Joe Colucci closed the game out, and he was also precarious. Despite not allowing a run, Colucci gave up a double off the wall and allowed multiple runners to get in scoring position before recording three outs.
Overall, Tuesday was a full offensive effort for Virginia. Eight batters were able to record a hit, and six recorded an RBI in this offensive onslaught. With the offense still being somewhat inconsistent as of late, it is always nice to see the entire team have their bats working. This will be critical as they head into a must-win series this weekend.
Next, the Cavaliers return home this weekend when they take on Pittsburgh in a three-game series. Friday’s opener will begin at 6 p.m., and the game can be streamed on ACCNX.
Read More
CHUN: Virginia men’s lacrosse is missing a superstar
By Sam Chun | 6 hours agoVirginia, as the season tumbles into conference play, is trying to overcome an inherent deficiency.
Live tracker: the men’s basketball offseason
By Michael Liebermann , Emory Huffman and Xander Tilock | 16 hours agoA frenetic offseason likely awaits.
Star left tackle Monroe Mills is out for the 2025 season
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayVirginia's offensive line depth has thinned.
