Hoos use big inning to defeat ‘Noles 8-0

The box score is going to show that Virginia pounded 16 hits on their way to an 8-0 win over Florida State, but the story of the game is the performance by Virginia’s Noah Murdock and Alec Bettinger. The duo held a potent Florida State offense scoreless and only surrendered two hits on the day as the Hoos pulled even in their best of three set in Tallahasse.

The two teams traded scoreless innings through the first four frames until Virginia struck first courtesy of a two-run home run by Jake McCarthy which scored Justin Novak who doubled to lead off the inning. Then in the sixth the floodgates opened as the Hoos sent ten batters to the plate and scored five runs, all with two outs. Caleb Knight got things started with a single up the middle, then Novak delivered his second double in as many innings and after McCarthy walked, the bases were loaded for Cameron Simmons. The sophomore ripped a single to right scoring Knight and Novak and giving the Hoos a 4-0 lead. The next three batters, Andy Weber, Adam Haseley, and Pavin Smith all hit RBI singles extending the Virginia lead to 7-0.

That would more than enough for Murdock as he shut down the ‘Noles in the bottom of the inning before exiting the game with The shutout intact. On the day, Murdock threw six innings of shut-out ball, only giving up two hits, four walks, and chipping in four strikeouts.

The Hoos would add another in the eighth thanks to a double by Haseley who scored on a Robbie Coman single two batters later.

Alec Bettinger was stellar in relief going three innings without giving up a hit. The senior only gave up one walk and struck out three earning his first save of the season.

At the plate, Haseley, Knight, and Novak each had three hits, while Simmons had two hits and added two RBI.

Virginia and Florida State face off in the rubber match Sunday. First pitch is at 1 P.M. as the Hoos turn to Haseley as they look to get a much needed, resume building series win.