Hoos Fall to Duke 4-3 in Pool Play

It was a win and move on situation for the Cavaliers and Blue Devils. As the Blue Devils played a clean game, UVa’s self inflicted wounds ultimately lead to their demise and elimination from this year’s ACC Tournament.

It started early as Cavaliers’ starter Derek Casey got two quick outs in the first before issuing a full count walk. That inning extending walk would bite UVa as the Blue Devils then rattled off a double and a single to score the walked batter and take an early 1-0 lead.

The Hoos’ bats would take the lead back in the fourth thanks to the meat of their batting order. Haseley would single, Pavin Smith would walk, and Robbie Coman would follow with a double scoring Haseley, tying the game. A Cam Simmons groundout would score Smith giving UVa the 2-1 lead.

The blow that would officially bury UVa came in the 6th. Another walk and a 1 out single put two runners on base for the Blue Devils who would then load the bases after Ernie Clement’s error while trying to make a quick double play. Two more singles scored Duke’s 3 runs in the inning, only two earned.

UVa would get one back in the 7th to cut the lead to just one, but they would be unable to push another run across.

The loss eliminates the Hoos from the ACC Tournament and allows Duke to advance to Saturday’s semifinals, where they will take on the winner of Group A.

Up next for UVa is a game against Clemson on Friday. Neither team can advance, but both could be playing for their NCAA Tournament hosting lives. Both have RPIs in the Top 15, but both could also use a victory against a top team.

After tomorrow’s game, UVa will head back to Charlottesville and await the NCAA Selection Show on Monday afternoon.