The No. 1 ranked Virginia Cavaliers continued their winning ways on Tuesday in their 2010 home schedule opener against George Washington University by beating the Colonials 5-2. This was the first of nine home games straight for the 'Hoos.
Second year Will Roberts got his first win of the season in his first start by going a strong 5 and 2/3 innings. Roberts held the Colonials to only two earned runs, five hits, and 2 walks while striking out one. Roberts was relieved by 1st year Whit Mayberry who went 1 and 1/3 and gave up only one hit and striking out 2. After Mayberry, Coach O'Connor wanted to get some more experience for 3rd year (redshirt-so, really 4th year) Corey Hunt but did not last long and was replaced by 4th year lefty, Neal Davis. Davis struggled as well and gave way to 3rd year closer Kevin Arico who went 1 and a 1/3 and notched his second save of the season and his 13th of his career. Arico's 13 saves moves him into 4th all time in career saves for the Cavaliers. I am not sure whether to be happy for Kevin or sad that only 13 saves is good enough for 4th all time in our career saves list.
The offense was paced yet again by 3rd year Phil Gosselin who continued his hitting ways by getting 3 hits and scoring a run. Danny Hultzen also was a significant factor going 1 for 3 and scoring 2 of the 5 runs for the Cavs.
This is a pretty good midweek win for the Cavs as the Colonials played UNC tough this past weekend and almost stole a victory on Friday before losing in extra innings. It will also help the Cavaliers see how good they really are, as GW has many other common opponents with them.
The baseball team will get the next few days off from games and will allow them to finally get some practice at Davenport Field as it is now free of snow (for now). They return to action on Friday to face NCAA hopeful and fellow Atlantic 10 member with GW, Rhode Island. Rhode Island was, thought by many, to have been snubbed last year by the NCAA tournament committee. Another great weekend test for the Hoos.