Virginia
Virginia Baseball Run-Ruled by Georgia Tech 13-2 in Series Opener
Fortunately for Virginia, every loss only counts as one in the record books, right?
The Cavaliers found themselves on the wrong end of the ACC’s new 10-run mercy rule, as No. 10 Virginia baseball (29-10, 11-8 ACC) gave up a pair of six-run innings and stranded 12 runners on base en route to a 13-2 loss in eight innings to Georgia Tech (23-13, 8-8 ACC) in the series opener on Friday night at Disharoon Park.
Having established himself as the ace of Virginia’s pitching staff, Evan Blanco’s latest start began well enough, retiring six of the first seven batters he faced. Trouble ensued in the top of the third, though, as Georgia Tech hit five singles and a bases-clearing three-run double as part of a six-run frame.
Being dealt an early blow doesn’t usually disturb the Cavaliers, who have erased similarly-sized deficits multiple times this season. But this time, the UVA bats couldn’t capitalize, despite having runners in scoring position in three out of the first six innings.
The Yellow Jackets scored an unearned run in the top of the sixth and then the Cavaliers finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh as Bobby Whalen and Ethan Anderson hit singles to start the two-out rally and then Whalen scored on a Harrison Didawick single and Anderson scored on an error.
Virginia did no further damage and then Georgia Tech scored six more in the top of the eighth on an RBI double, an RBI single, and then a grand slam from Cam Jones to give the Yellow Jackets a 13-2 lead.
Luke Hanson and Eric Becker walked to start the bottom of the eighth, but Virginia couldn’t score to avoid the run-rule as Griff O’Ferrall flied out and Whalen grounded into a game-ending double-play.
Virginia will look to even the series against Georgia Tech in game 2 on Saturday at 4pm.
Virginia
Obituary for Virginia Frances Stoots at Beckley Peace Chapel
Virginia
15-year-old accused of shooting teen near Lake Edward in Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A 15-year-old boy is charged with shooting a teen over a week ago near Lake Edward in Virginia Beach, police say.
The shooting happened just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 10 in the 5000 block of W. Hastings Arch.
Police say officers responded to the shooting following an alert from ShotSpotter, which is technology that can detect gunshots.
Watch related coverage: Suspect arrested in deadly shooting at busy Portsmouth intersection
Suspect arrested in deadly shooting at busy Portsmouth intersection
Officers then found a 15-year-old boy from Virginia Beach who had been shot, police say. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Last Thursday, police charged a boy — also a 15-year-old from Virginia Beach — in connection to the shooting. He’s charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, police added.
The shooting is still under investigation. Police ask anyone with information to call detectives at 757-385-4101 or Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Virginia
Bowl Projections: West Virginia’s Stock Takes Big Hit Following Latest Loss
Another wasted opportunity at home for the West Virginia Mountaineers this past weekend as they fell to the Baylor Bears, 49-35.
Much of the conversation entering the week was about who head coach Neal Brown would start at quarterback. He turned back to Garrett Greene, who had an okay day throwing the football but did add over 120 yards on the ground to help fuel the Mountaineers’ offensive attack. It wasn’t his best overall performance, but it was more than enough to win.
Unfortunately, West Virginia’s defense returned to its struggling ways, allowing 512 yards of offense, 329 of which came through the air. Baylor’s 35 first-half points were the most of any Big 12 team in a league game this season.
With the loss, the Mountaineers essentially eliminated themselves from a spot in the Big 12 championship game, and their bowl stock took a massive hit.
Action Network: Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Army
Athlon Sports: Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Tulane
CBS Sports: Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Army
College Football Network: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl vs. East Carolina
College Football News: AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Vanderbilt
ESPN (Kyle Bonagura): Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Washington
ESPN (Mark Schlabach): Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Louisiana
West Virginia On SI: AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Arkansas
The Mountaineers have two games remaining in the regular season and must notch one more win to become bowl-eligible. This week, they’ll play host to the UCF Knights, who were everyone’s dark horse to win the Big 12 back in August. After getting out to a 3-0 start, the Knights lost five straight.
Despite most sportsbooks opening this week’s game with UCF as the favorite, I like West Virginia’s chances to get the win. They are a run-heavy team, and that’s the one thing the Mountaineer defense does fairly well.
If they fail to collect win No. 6 this weekend, it’ll all come down to their trip to Lubbock the following week. Texas Tech has Oklahoma State this Saturday and will likely be gunning for win No. 8 when West Virginia comes to town. If the Red Raiders win out, that will be their best regular season finish since 2009.
1. Valero Alamo Bowl vs Pac-12, Saturday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. EST, ABC
2. Pop-Tarts Bowl vs ACC/ND, Saturday, Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m. EST, ABC
3. TaxAct Texas Bowl vs SEC, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
4. AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs SEC, Friday, Dec. 27, 7:00 p.m. EST, ESPN
5. Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs Big Ten, Thursday, Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
6. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl vs. Pac 12, Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:15 p.m. EST, ESPN
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
Traylon Ray Undergoes Surgery: What Does This Mean for the WVU Passing Game?
MAILBAG: Will WVU Fire Neal Brown? Is Money an Issue? + 24 Other Questions
West Virginia Enters Final Home Game of 2024 Season as Underdogs to a 4-6 UCF Team
Between The Eers: The Morning After Baylor
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