No. 19 Virginia baseball dropped two out of three games in a crucial road series at NC State. The Cavaliers (27-17, 10-14 ACC) appeared to be in top form during Friday’s win, but a pair of walk-off homers propelled the Wolfpack (23-12, 11-12 ACC) to victory in Sunday’s doubleheader.
Virginia turned in a complete effort in their 8-3 victory in the opener.
Sophomore Connor Jones posted his second consecutive gem on the hill. The righty worked seven innings of five-hit ball, surrendered three runs and fanned 11, which matches a career high in strikeouts. Friday’s outing marked the second double-digit strikeout effort in as many games.
Jones’ teammates provided him plenty of support. The Cavalier bats scored eight runs and racked up 12 hits. Sophomore first baseman Matt Thaiss led all players with four runs batted in. He and freshman outfielder Pavin Smith accrued three hits apiece.
NC State won the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader 4-3.
Junior Brandon Waddell started and ran into trouble early. The lefty allowed three runs with two outs in the bottom of the first. From there, Waddell settled down, working seven innings and allowing only the three runs on four hits and three walks.
Virginia tied the game in the top of the seventh when sophomore Daniel Pinero scored on a single by senior Kenny Towns.
NC State’s senior outfielder Bubby Riley won the game in the ninth with a two-out solo blast.
The Wolfpack required a walk-off home run to take the series finale as well. This time it came in the 10th inning and off the bat of freshman Joe Dunand.
Junior Josh Sborz started the third game. He allowed two runs over six innings in his first start of 2015.
The Cavaliers scored all three of their runs in the fifth inning. Freshman Ernie Clement and Thaiss both had RBIs.
NC State tied the game in the eighth inning when sophomore Alec Bettinger hit a batter with the bases loaded. Dunand ended the game with two outs in the bottom of the tenth.
Virginia will travel to Old Dominion for a Tuesday contest.
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