The Cavalier men’s baseball team suffered a 5-1 loss to No. 9 N.C. State Friday night. The defeat marks the end of Virginia’s previous six-game winning streak as the Cavs fall to 17-9-1 overall, while remaining in the middle of the ACC pack at 5-5.
Despite leading the ACC with a .324 batting average, Virginia struggled on the offensive end as N.C. State limited the squad to a mere five hits. Wolfpack pitcher Ethan Ogburn struck out seven and only allowed four hits during his eight-inning span.
Courtesy of VirginiaSports.com
Keith Werman gave the Cavaliers a reason to celebrate with a third-inning double that extended his team-best 11 game hit streak. Chris Taylor followed Werman with another huge double, giving the Cavaliers their sole run of the game and tying the match at 1-1.
The Wolfpack quickly responded in the fourth inning as the Virginia pitching staff began to struggle. Starting pitcher Scott Silverstein allowed four runs, seven hits, and three walks during his six innings on the mound before being relieved by Austin Young.
Virginia had a final chance in the ninth inning as they loaded the bases with zero outs. The rally was short-lived however, as N.C. State relief pitcher Chris Overman recuperated, striking out the following three batters to end the game.
The Cavaliers hope to rebound as action continues tomorrow in game two of the series. The first pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m. in Raleigh, N.C.
