Cavalier Baseball Outblasts Hokies in Series Opener

Connor Jones did not have his best stuff Thursday night, but the offense was able to pick up the third year ace. After another complete game last weekend, he's allowed a bad start every now and then. UVa fans just won't allow it to happen anymore this season.

Jones ended up holding the Hokies to three runs on five hits over five runs. The problem seemed to be Jones' command. He was very unJones-like, walking five.

Even though he did not have his best stuff, he was able to leave the game after five innings with a 4-3 lead. 4th year Kevin Doherty came on in the sixth and assured Jones would win his 11th game of the season. With the win, Jones moves into a tie for 3rd place for wins in a season. One more would tie Danny Hultzen's 2011 season and Seth Greisinger's 1996 season.

In the end, Doherty held the Hokies scoreless over the final four frames limiting them to just one base runner. Quite a showing for the fourth year.

Matt Thaiss was (again) the story at the plate for the Hoos. The third year catcher continued his stellar season with three more hits, another run, and four more RBI. His night was capped off in the sixth when he hit a towering home run to right field that many think might have touched the track beyond the bleachers.

Ernie Clement had himself a day as well. The second basemen went 4-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, including a triple in the sixth inning.

The two teams will return to Davenport this afternoon. The Hoos helped their National Seed hopes with the win, but need to keep pace with Florida State and others by sweeping the Hokies this weekend.