Cavaliers Down Elon 2-0

I don't encourage underage drinking, and I certainly will not encourage drinking during the weekend of a Regional, but the position players need to buy the pitching staff a few brews next week because the pitchers are winning this regional with not much help from the offense. Yesterday the Hoos took down Army 2-1 behind Brandon Waddell. Today, UVa took out Army 2-0 thanks to Scott Silverstein, Josh Sborz, and (surprise!) Kyle Crockett.

Similar to Friday's game against Army, the offense was able to seemingly put runners on base with ease. UVa totaled 9 hits to go along with 3 walks. Unfortunately, when the Cavaliers put runners on base, nobody was able to make it hurt. I am starting to feel bad for Derek Fisher because the kid can't seem to buy a hit, but when you come to the plate with the bases loaded and less than two outs, you cannot strike out, and you certainly cannot strike out looking. I'd tell Derek myself, but I am sure he knows this and Mac has probably told him as well.

Luckily the boys were able to scratch across two runs in the 4th inning which would be all they'd need. Nick Howard started the rally with one of his two singles on the night and advanced to 2nd and 3rd off of dirtballs. Kenny Towns followed Nick with his lone hit of the day, a double down the left field line. Nate Irving liked what he saw from Towns so much that he got his only hit of the day after Towns and allowed Kenny to score making it 2-0. And that was all she wrote.

Scott Silverstein continues to give UVa fans reason to worship at his feet and thank him for coming back for a 5th year. The big man held Elon scoreless and only allowed 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. First year Josh Sborz followed suit in the 7th with a scoreless inning of his own before handing the ball over to Kyle Crockett to close out the last two innings. Crockett fired a scoreless 8th and 9th to earn his 12th SV of the season.

If UVa wins a close game tomorrow Kyle Crockett is no doubt the MVP of this regional. His 4 innings of shutout baseball have been the key for UVa thus far and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't throw at least one run tomorrow if the game is close.

Hoos will go to sleep tonight not sure of who they will play tomorrow night. UNC Wilmington and Elon will play again tomorrow at 1 with the winner securing the right to play the Cavaliers at 6 later tomorrow night. No matter what happens tomorrow, UVa is clearly in the driver's seat of the Regional. UNC-W or Elon will have to beat UVa twice if they are to advance to next weekend.