The Cavaliers had a decisive edge coming into this game by winning the first two games of the College World Series. Virginia had been resting up after their 15 inning game against TCU on Tuesday June 17th. Ole Miss would have to beat them twice in order to advance to the College Word Series Finals. The Rebels had an unexpected extra day of rest, with the game getting rained out in a 0-0 tie in the top of the second inning and suspended until Saturday afternoon.
The Rebels got to scoring quickly on the second day of the game, with designated hitter Will Allen getting a leadoff single in the bottom of the second. He advanced on second on a passed ball, and advanced to third on a single by J.B. Woodman. The Rebels would score their only run of the game unearned, on a double steal, with Woodman getting thrown out at second. Allen came home to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead. The gutsy call paid off for the Rebels in this one. The reason the Rebels couldn't score for the rest of the game is because the Cavaliers were just stronger fundamentally, not giving up any earned runs the entire game, and the Rebels did not got any extra base hits, which sure help to get runners in the right spots. The Rebels managed to collect six total hits on the day.
The Cavaliers first got on the board in the top of the 4th, when they loaded up the bases for catcher Robbie Coman's single for 2 RBI's scoring right fielder Joe McCarthy and center fielder Brandon Downes from second and third. In addition, designated hitter John La Prise scored from third in the same inning when second baseman Branden Cogswell dropped down a sacrifice bunt to get the suicide squeeze fully engaged. Virginia led 3-1 after the top of the fourth.
In the top of the 7th inning, shortstop Daniel Pinero started with a leadoff single against the Cavaliers. It was his only hit of the game, but it came at a crucial time, because then no one would have been on base for McCarthy's RBI double to right center field. It always helps to get some insurance runs in tight games. Three run cushions in Omaha feel like six run cushions in other stadiums.
Of the twelve games that have been played, the highest run total by one team has been six. There have been only two home runs through twelve games, so the only way to get runs is to manufacture them through walks and singles and playing fundamental baseball. Also, with the last two wins being walkoff wins for the Virginia, it was relaxing for them to just have a lead to hold onto in the late innings.
The Cavaliers also had excellent pitching on the mound, with Josh Sborz starting the game on Friday night, and then continuing to play on Saturday afternoon. He threw a total of 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks, giving up only 1 run, unearned on the double steal. Artie Lewicki continued to be his excellent self, going 3 innings, striking out 2, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk. Lewicki has now pitched a total of 7 shutout innings in Omaha. The hit and walk he gave up against the Rebels were the only runners to reach base on him. Nick Howard pitched the final inning and gave up just 1 single. That was his 5th shutout inning here in Omaha, throwing the other 4 in the long game against TCU. Howard has been excellent as well, giving up just 2 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7 batters.
Virginia will face the winner of Saturday's game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Texas Longhorns. The Cavaliers have pitched incredibly well in their bullpen and they have been clutch enough to win back to back games in walkoff fashion. Vanderbilt could be considered favorites in the championship series no matter which team they face. Virginia just keeps winning and that is the most important factor when it comes to playoff baseball. The Championship Series begin on Monday June 23rd at 8 PM EDT.