Johnson, a two-way star, will get another opportunity against the Panthers Saturday afternoon — this time, he will do it from the mound. He is set to make his sixth start of the season as Virginia looks to even the series.
Sunday’s win is exactly what Virginia needed at the exact time they needed it. Stability and length from the bullpen, contributions from all parts of the lineup and its stars showing up in a big way.
This back-and-forth game seemed destined for similar late-inning dramatics, though the Cavaliers (21-5, 6-3 ACC) pulled away with an overwhelming offensive attack that was too much for the Terrapins (11-13, 1-5 Big Ten).
While the conclusion of the season is not foregone by any means, Virginia has made well of the opportunities it has been given.
“This is by far, one of the best lineups that I’ve been a part of,” Weatherspoon said. “Being able to be in the nine hole with [Becker] and [Gracia] behind me, [it] gives me confidence that I don’t have to put too much pressure on myself.”
Virginia’s power broke out in the bottom of the fifth — Harris reached on an error and Didawick singled before junior infielder Noah Murray turned around a middle-middle breaking ball, driving it into the left field bleachers and putting the Cavaliers on top 6-4.
For Pollard, Gracia’s loudest trait is not exit velocity or bat speed — it’s the poise. He is as advanced between the ears as he is between the lines.
The men's and women's finales were separated by one measly goal in regulation and penalties. It was a night of déjà vu in Klöckner Stadium. A night of opportunity for Virginia turned into a night to forget.
![“[That whole class] is everything they have been hyped up to be,” DeSorbo said. “Heilman and Williamson in particular are the real deal and other guys are elevating because of them.](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cav/4f32b0b3-555e-43cd-9d36-27de7adbaef0.sized-1000x1000.png?w=1000&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
Virginia now heads into a break from collegiate competition until the new year.
It has been six years since Virginia’s football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and field hockey programs have been ranked simultaneously.
