Five takeaways from UVA baseball’s series loss to Florida State
For the second consecutive weekend, the Virginia Cavaliers have fallen victim in two out of a three game set, this time at the hands of No. 7 Florida State. The Wahoos opened the series on a high note, posting a crooked number on Seminoles ace Wes Mendes in the fourth inning and hanging on for a 4-3 victory.
Game two saw Florida State manufacture offensive pressure and eventually convert in the middle innings en route to a 5-2 series-tying win. FSU dominated the rubber match, exploding with the bats early, before the ‘Hoos eventually made a late push towards a more respectable 9-3 final score. Here is what we are taking away from the weekend.
UVA was once again outclassed by a more fundamental ball club From the get-go, the Cavaliers made head-scratching mistakes in the field. While Kyle Johnson was able to pitch his way out of Thursday’s first inning jam, caused by ill-advised throws by both himself and Eric Becker, some of the errors proved more costly as the series progressed. Over the weekend, the Cavaliers made six combined errors, contributing to their season total of 35, which is the sixth most in the ACC.
Virginia’s defense is my no-means a disaster, especially compared to last season. Becker has improved drastically at the shortstop position and the outfield has been a strength. However, UVA was tasked with two particularly well-coached, experienced teams in Boston College and Florida State, and that was evident in the gameplay.
The top of the Virginia order is in a slump During the ebbs and flows of a baseball season, it is inevitable that even the best enter a slump, and that is what has happened with Virginia superstars Eric Becker and A. J. Gracia.
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