Breaking out the bats

by Jay Jenkins on February 20th, 2011

Virginia pounded out 17 hits, none of which left the yard, and cruised past Auburn to improve to 2-0 on the season. It came in front of a large crowd that was stunned as the Cavaliers (2-0) dazzled on the mound and used late-game production to register a 13-2 win over the Tigers (1-1).
A day after pitching well in the season opener, Danny Hultzen had three doubles and drove in three runs as Virginia’s designated hitter. The score was so lopsided that Virginia coach Brian O’Connor pulled Hultzen from the game late and allowed the junior to rest from the punch.
I expected the offense to have some at the top of the order, but the bottom four hitters have been key to putting crooked numbers up on the scoreboard. It was also good to see the Cavaliers bounce back to score after allowing Auburn to plate its first run. Teams that can answer can play deep into the season.
It’s was great to see so many names in the boxscore, including the debut of Reed Gragnani in a pinch-hitting role. He delivered with a single before being pulled for a pinch runner.
Tyler Wilson, after 51 consecutive appearances out of the bullpen, made his fourth career start and had the Tigers tied in knots.
“Tyler threw the ball very well,“ Virginia coach Brian O’Connor said. “It was a great start to the season for him. I expect that to continue.“
In six innings of work, Wilson (1-0) allowed just three hits and Auburn did not get a runner to second.
Will Roberts worked well out of the bullpen and faced just three batters, leaving open the chance for the junior to start on Wednesday against VMI. The other option is rookie Zack Crockett, but he has been inconsistent at times in the preseason.
The Cavaliers will look for a weekend sweep today at noon against Arkansas State (0-2). 

(2) Comments