With the #1 seed in the upcoming ACC tournament on the line the Hoos rose to the occasion this weekend in Coral Gables. Only needing one win on the weekend, the Cavs got that win and another one to claim their final ACC series of the regular season.
Thursday night's game gave 1st year Branden Kline's first ACC start of his promising Virginia career. Branden had a solid start as he only gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in a full five innings of work. Kline came out of the game with a 4-2 lead that he handed off to the usually strong Tyler Wilson. Tyler pitched well but wasn't able to hold the Canes in check as they scored 3 runs over the final 6 innings including the winning run in the 11th. Proscia and Barr paced the offense with two hits while Parker added with 2 runs scored.
Saturday the celebration could finally begin for the Cavalier faithful. Robert Morey continued his dominant pitching streak by giving another tremendous start giving up only a run on 3 hits over a strong 7 innings. Cody Winiarski and Kevin Arico followed Morey and shutout the Canes over the final two innings giving the Hoos the victory and Arico's nation leading and Cavalier single-season record 15th save. At the plate, the Hoos were paced by 1st year Chris Taylor who came through with 2 hits an RBI and a run scored. The win gave the Hoos the #1 overall seed in next week's ACC tournament and any tiebreaker scenario in the tournament.
Sunday's game was the most impressive win of the weekend in my mind. Even though no pitcher was truly dominant, the Hoos bats picked up the team and carried themselves to a victory. Phil Gosselin and Jarrett Parker both had 3 hits and Keith Werman added with 2 hits of his own. Stephen Bruno and John Hicks also got on the board with 2 runs scored of their own. The Hoos were able to cruise to a 7-4 victory and the series.
The series victory gave the Hoos their 12th series victory of the year out of a possible 13 and the regular season ACC title for the 3rd time in program history. The ACC tournament begins on Wednesday and the Cavs kick off the whole tournament with their opening round game against Boston College at 12.
The series win also gave me another correct series pick. I missed 6 games all year. I am the man, I know. Even though I will be at work, I will be trying my hardest to watch the game and provide updates via twitter @STLUVABaseball WAHOOWA!