UVA Baseball: A Dramatic Series Finale Against NC State
RALEIGH, N.C. – In a heart-pounding showdown at Doak Field, the NC State Wolfpack (21-11, 7-5 ACC) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, walking off against the Virginia Cavaliers (17-13, 7-8 ACC) with a thrilling 9-8 victory. This nail-biter unfolded on Sunday, April 6, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the momentum shifted in the blink of an eye.
Virginia’s Strong Start
Joining him in the charge was Aidan Teel, also 3-for-5, contributing two doubles and an RBI, solidifying the Cavaliers’ lead as they approached what seemed like a comfortable finish.
Pitching Performance
On the mound, Tomas Valincius showcased his talent, allowing four earned runs over 6.1 innings while racking up seven strikeouts. Although he put in a commendable performance, the young pitcher would not factor into the decision of this intense game.
How It Unraveled
As the game unfolded, the turning point struck dramatically in the seventh inning. After an incredibly dominant outing, the Cavaliers’ fortunes took a sudden dip when NC State *capitalized* on a grand slam by Drew Lanphere, swinging the game to an 8-6 contest. What was once a commanding lead began to feel precarious.
- The Arizona pitcher, Valincius, had retired eight consecutive batters prior to the shocking grand slam that reignited the Wolfpack.
- As the ninth inning arrived, NC State continued to rally. Down to their final out, the Wolfpack put together a powerful comeback, with Josh Hogue crushing a *three-run homer* over the left-center fence that ultimately sealed the game with a dramatic walk-off victory.
Key Performers and Statistics
- Henry Ford celebrated his first multi-home run game of the season, totaling four RBIs—a career-high for the sophomore.
- The young slugger also leads the Cavaliers with a remarkable 46 hits this season, showcasing his pivotal role in the lineup.
- Despite the loss, UVA maintains an impressive record of 15-2 this season when scoring six or more runs, underlining their offensive prowess.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers will attempt to bounce back as they close out their four-game road swing against VCU at The Diamond in Richmond on Tuesday, April 8. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will be available for fans to follow on ESPN+ and WINA (98.9 FM/1070 AM).
