Cavaliers Blast VMI, 18-1

It was over pretty much before it started.

After UVa dropped their final weekend game to Coastal Carolina on Sunday, the Hoos opened up their home schedule on Tuesday and laid waste to the visiting Keydets.

The Cavaliers were able to put two runs on the board in the first inning, went scoreless in the second, and then exploded for 11 runs in the third, highlighted by a Pavin Smith grand slam.

In all, 16 Cavaliers had at least one at bat and five pitchers took the mound. The more impressive stat however, is that of the 16, Matt Thaiss and Daniel Pinero were the only upper classmen to play in the game, and only three more were 2nd years.

While Smith's grand slam was the highlight of the day, the 1st years at the bottom of the lineup showed why they were recruited to play at UVa. Jake McCarthy, Cameron Simmons, Doak Dozier, and Andy Weber all had a multi-hit game and were a combined 9-17 at the plate including 7 runs scored and 6 RBI.

Even though you can not take much away from beating VMI, the innings that the bullpen gave surely had to boost the confidence of the coaches. Bennett Sousa, Tyler Shambora, and Jack Roberts held the Keydets to just 2 hits and a run over the final four innings to ensure the victory. Coach O'Connor even gave Robbie Coman a shot on the mound after removing Adam Haseley in the 3rd inning.

UVa gets the rest of the week to rest before hosting East Carolina this weekend. The Pirates will enter the weekend undefeated and look to get their first win against the Hoos since 2011.