Entering this weekend everyone knew the Hoos would have to rely on strong pitching and timely hitting to advance to the Super Regionals. Luckily for UVa fans everywhere, they had that and then some all weekend.
After dispensing with Bucknell 10-1 on Friday and Arkansas 3-0 on Saturday, the Hoos took care of business against Arkansas again Sunday night.
2nd year Brandon Waddell took the mound for Coach O'Connor and lived up to the standard his predecessors Artie Lewicki and Nathan Kirby had set. Waddell held the Razorbacks at bay for 6.2 innings striking out 4 and not walking a single batter. He surrendered seven hits, but the lone runs he gave up were via a 2 out 2 run HR to Arkansas's DH Wilkerson. After allowing a follow up double, with a 6-2 lead, Coach O'Connor called on 5th year Whit Mayberry to close it out.
Mayberry held Arkansas scoreless over the final 2.1 innings, allowing only a single hit in the 9th inning. He struck out 2 on the way to securing the victory.
The offense was able to take advantage of key Arkansas errors to score 9 runs. Largely paced again by John La Prise who had three hits of his own while supplying two RBI and a run scored. Not to be outdone, Derek Fisher had two hits of his own, adding two RBI and a run scored.
In all, the lineup was able to register 9 runs on 9 hits to take advantage of those two Arkansas errors and six walks the Razorback pitching staff issued.
With the win, the Hoos advance to their 5th Super Regional in 6 years. All but the first Super Regional appearance have come at Davenport Field. The boys will take on ACC foe Maryland and look to avenge the loss the Terps gave the Hoos in the ACC tournament two weeks ago.
The Super Regional will be held either Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday, but it likely won't be announced until the rest of the Super Regionals are set. Until then, enjoy the victory and WAHOOWA