Murdock and Doyle Shut Down Hokie Lineup as Hoos Win in 10, 3-2

If there was a definition for a “tough luck no decision,” Noah Murdock’s picture needs to be associated with it.

The freshman right hander, in just his 4th career start for UVa, pitched a gem. Murdock was able to keep Virginia Tech completely off the board for 7 full innings allowing only 3 hits and no walks.

Unfortunately, after 7, Coach O’Connor turned to the bullpen, who promptly gave up the Cavaliers’ 2 run lead. After retiring the first batter by a strikeout, Chesdin Harrington allowed a 1 out single. Harrington was able to get a bloop off the bat of the next batter, but the turf field at Virginia Tech allowed the ball to bounce over LF Charlie Cody’s head and the first run to score.

Bennett Sousa relieved Harrington with two outs, but allowed a 2 out single up the middle, which allowed the tying run to score. Murdock’s win had vanished, but the Cavaliers were not out of hope yet.

After scoring single runs in the 2nd and 8th, the Hoos had runners on 1st and 2nd with 0 outs in the 9th. Justin Novak was unable to get a bunt down and move the runners over, while Charlie Cody and Ernie Clement followed with outs of their own.

Sousa pitched the 9th for Virginia and was able to work around a leadoff walk.

In the 10th, Virginia’s All-American, Adam Haseley, lined a 1 out home run over the right field wall to give the Cavaliers a 3-2 lead. The bomb was Haseley’s team leading 11th of the season.

Tommy Doyle came on in the 10th, and although he allowed a 1 out single to give Virginia fans heart palpitations, he was able to shut the door on the Hokies and earn his 11th save of the season.

The win gives UVa their 7th straight win and 2nd straight ACC series victory. At 10-7 in the ACC, the Hoos are now 2 games clear of Miami for 2nd in the Coastal, but still 3.5 behind Coastal leading North Carolina.