This week’s column comes on a somber note here at Virginia. On behalf of the entire Cavalier team, I want to send our deepest condolences to the people of Virginia Tech. It is a terrible tragedy that has saddened and shocked our team, and we are keeping all the Virginia Tech people in our thoughts and prayers.

Despite only playing three games this past week – they were all great games. One played in a AAA ballpark, one extra-inning pitchers’ duel and one walk-off home run.

On Tuesday, we went to Richmond to play a quality opponent in VCU at The Diamond – home of the Richmond Braves. Playing in a big stadium like that adds excitement and gives you an extra bounce in your step.

The weather served as a preview for what was to come later in the week as two balls were crushed to right field – one by Sean Doolittle – and seemingly hit a wall. As the pitchers in the bullpen described it, the balls actually got caught up in the wind so much that they went over the wall and came back onto the field. Anyway, Jeff Lorick pitched out of a few jams and showed huge signs of maturity as he kept us in the ball game. David Adams went 2 for 3, and Tyler Cannon added three RBI as we went on to win 8-1.

Over the weekend, Georgia Tech came to town, and the games proved to be just as tight as anticipated. Friday night Jacob Thompson continued his string of quality starts, going seven-plus. However, he was matched pitch for pitch by Tech starter David Duncan. We were only able to score a single run – coming in the fifth as Brandon Marsh plated Greg Miclat. They took the lead in top of the 11th, and we were unable to answer in the bottom half – something we would capitalize on in Saturday’s game.

Saturday’s game was moved up to a noon start because of inclement weather expected in the area. We jumped out to an early lead when Brandon Marsh hit a solo shot to left in the first. After that, Tech seemed to take control as we fought to stay in the game. Down 6-4 in the bottom of the ninth, the relentless, never-give-up attitude of our team allowed us to steal a win from a pretty good closer in Danny Payne. With two outs Doolittle battled to draw a walk. Brandon Guyer followed with a hit by pitch to give us runners on first and second. This brought David Adams to the plate. Looking dead red, he was able to turn around an inside fastball and send it into the left-field bleachers.

A home plate mobbing ensued. Patrick McAnaney threw three solid innings in relief to pick up his second win of the year. The win turned out to be huge as we were able to earn a series split with the rainout on Sunday.

Hopefully Saturday’s heroics can give us an extra boost as we get into the last four series of the year. Up next is Richmond at home on Tuesday and Clemson at their place over the weekend.

Go Hoos!

Jeremy Farrell

(photo courtesy of Virginia Media Relations Office)