This past week, we continued to play good baseball as we went 3-1 against Richmond and Miami.

On Wednesday, we traveled to Richmond to play the U of Richmond. We got a huge boost on the mound with the return of Pat McAnaney. P-Mac, coming off an injury, made his first start of the year and picked up right where he left off last year, going five strong innings. He will be big addition to our staff as we hit the midpoint of the season. The offense continued to roll with Brandon Guyer collecting four hits and Greg Miclat reaching base all five times - drawing four walks.

No surprise that Guyer and Miclat led us offensively. They have been doing it all year - Miclat, who seems to always be on base, and Guyer, who has not missed many opportunities to drive in runs.

With an 11-1 win, we headed into the weekend to play Miami at home.

Friday night saw a tremendous atmosphere with Jacob Thompson putting together what could have been his best outing in a Virginia uniform to date. J.T. went eight innings, giving up an earned run on only four hits. He also punched out 10 before handing the ball to Casey Lambert, who recorded his fifth save by striking out the side in the ninth.

It was a typical ACC game that saw good pitching and situational hitting. Miami starter Eric Erickson located very well and threw an effective change up to keep us somewhat off balance.

A key to winning games like these is to be able to take advantage of mistakes and opportunities given to you. We were able to take advantage of a few Hurricane miscues in the second as Patrick Wingfield gave us a 1-0 lead by scoring from second on an errant pick-off throw. Guyer, Miclat and David Adams all had two hits apiece as we were able to manufacture a few more to propel us to a 4-1 victory and a fireworks display beyond the right-field wall.

On Saturday afternoon, Matt Packer took the mound and turned in another tremendous effort. Packer went five and a third scoreless and struck out eight. Andrew Carraway threw the ball well again bridging the gap to Lambert, who got his second consecutive save - throwing eight strikes and retiring the side in order.

Having a dominant closer really shortens the game - we know if we can get Casey the ball in the eighth or ninth, we are giving ourselves a very good chance to win the ball game.

We were able to capitalize on offense again as Guyer moved to second on a botched pick-off attempt, and Wingfield rose up to drive him in. Guyer and Adams each drove in runs in fifth that proved to be insurance as we won 3-0. We were now in the driver’s seat with a perennial power house on the ropes as we looked for the sweep on Sunday.

Sean Doolittle, who was moved to Sunday to allow him to play first base on Friday and Saturday, turned out a quality start. He gave us a chance to win, and that is what you ask for out of your starter. Unfortunately it was not enough as we fell 4-2.

In another close ballgame, we were unable to get that timely hit. Doolittle added a solo home run in the eighth, but it was too little too late. We recognize that when we’re in a position to sweep a team - especially at home - we need to seize that opportunity. It’s something that we will learn from and no doubt become stronger as a result. With the way things are starting out in ACC play - everyone beating everyone - a series win is huge and that is what we accomplished this weekend.

We’re back in action this week with five games. We’re at home Tuesday and Wednesday against George Mason and Longwood. Over the weekend we’re in Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech, who is playing really well of late.

Go Hoos!

Jeremy Farrell

(photo courtesy of Virginia Media Relations Office)