Contrary to what many of your VPI&SU friends, enemies, dogs (not dawgs) might have told you, UVa took the series this past weekend. Anyone who was there will tell you that the last inning of the game on Sunday was one of the most depressing UVa baseball games they have ever been to. I can validate that statement. I will admit that I sat in my chair in a bit of disbelief after the game wondering if it really happened. Eventually I got over myself, realized that they had taken the series, and also realized it was just another baseball game (kindof).
On Friday, the Cavs were paced by who else but Danny Hultzen? Danny went gave another strong 7 innings and the only two Turkeys that scored were the first batters and the last batters he faced. Danny only gave up 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 10. As is the norm with this team, Wilson bridged the gap between Hultzen and Arico who came on in the 9th and recorded his 12th save of the season. At the plate, the Hoos were paced by Steven Proscia and Phil Gosselin who both had 2 hits and an RBI, respectively. After allowing the tying home run in the 8th to make the score 2-2, the Hoos were able to push 2 more runs across in the bottom half thanks to some choking by the VPI&SU catcher who threw a ball on a steal attempt into CF allowing Grovatt to get to 3rd and eventually score and the pitcher who couldn't find a strike zone. Hoos went on to win the game 4-2.
Saturday was much of the same as UVA had a strong pitching and hitting performance. Robert Morey looked like the Morey from the regional and super-regionals of last year as he went 7 innings and scattered 2 runs on 5 hits. Tyler Wilson came in in the 8th which a save situation it appeared but pitched the 9th as well after the Hoos scored more runs in the bottom half of the 8th. Again, the offense was bolstered by a stellar performance from Phil Gosselin who went 3 for 4 and had a pair of RBIs and runs. Tyler Cannon, Kenny Swab, and Steven Proscia also had multi-hit games of their own. After having the score tied at 2 going into the 6th the Hoos scored 6 more runs over the last 4 innings to put the game out of reach.
As for Sunday, well, it was just one of those days. Pitching threw well until the end, hitting was good for most of the game, some lady told me I was being disrespectful and being unsportsmanlike, and the defense struggled and had 2 errors. The bright spots were Cody Winiarski and Branden Kline who combined to throw 8 innings of great baseball and only gave up 3 runs on 4 hits. At the plate, Jarrett Parker and John Barr picked up their teammates. Parker went 3 for 4 which included a home run, 2 RBIs, and 2 Runs. Barr also had 3 hits on the day. This was just one of those days where Arico didn't have it. All of the greatest closers in baseball know how those days go. After getting an out Arico walked the bases loaded and gave way to Tyler Wilson. Wilson was able to get another out before going to battle with VT outfielder Buddy Sosnoskie (only in Blacksburg with that name). Sosnoskie was able to do what his brother wasn't able to do all weekend, get a hit. The double cleared the bases and gave them the lead......and made me want to punch a baby. My friend who attends the college down there decided to text me after they took the lead after we had not talked all weekend. Needless to say, she did not receive a friendly text in return.
The Hoo team DID WIN THE SERIES and that is what is most important. I even predicted that they would fall in one of the games, I just didn't think it would be in that fashion. It was heart wrenching. Oh well, that's baseball. This week the Hoos host Richmond and GMU before traveling to College Park to take on the struggling Terps. I will preview the Maryland matchup later in the week but I can't see this team losing either of these midweek games. That VMI team was a good team playing on a mission.
That's it for this weekend. I had a blast being back in Charlottesville and taunting the Turkeys this past weekend. I am putting this series behind me. Don't ask me about Sunday ever again. Seriously.......don't do it. My reaction won't be pleasant.