Virginia falls in series finale to ‘Heels 12-2

Coming into the weekend, Virginia’s offense was averaging 10.2 runs per game and had scored in double figures in seven of their 13 games. Against North Carolina they could only muster eight over three games falling two games to one in the three game set. However, it may not have been enough as UNC pounded the ball scoring 21 over the same span.

Freshman Evan Sperling took the loss, though he had exited the game before it got completely out of hand. After giving up three runs on three hits, Sperling gave way to Bennett Sousa who allowed five additional Tar Heel runs in an inning where 12 batters came to the plate. At that point the rout was on.

The combination of Jack Roberts, Bobby Nicholson, Riley Wilson, and Noah Merdock pitched well, only giving up three more runs (all by Roberts) over the last 5.1 innings. But by then the lead was insurmountable.

Virginia trailed 10-0 before they finally got on the board in the fifth thanks to a pair of singles by Drew Blakely and Andy Weber and a pair of sacrifice fly RBIs by Ernie Clement and Pavin Smith. On the day, only Jake McCarthy had more than one hit, though the Cavaliers did register nine for the game.

Virginia will be back at Davenport Field Tuesday for a mid-week game against Monmouth. First pitch is scheduled for 3 PM.