UVA’s stunningly successful season came to an excruciating halt Friday, June 24 in the 13th inning in Omaha. Trying to get an out at third base, relief pitcher Cody Winiarski threw the ball into the dugout after fielding a bunt, and a South Carolina runner scored to end the game 3-2. The result sends the defending national champion Gamecocks back to the College World Series final against Florida.
"Wow. What a college baseball game," UVA coach Brian O’Connor said. "Unfortunately, we came out on the wrong end of it."
Pitching was red hot all game, even after Virginia ace (and No. 2 overall MLB draft pick) Danny Hultzen left the game in the third inning due to a stomach illness. Virginia had plenty of scoring opportunities in the late innings, including bases loaded in the 10th and 13th innings, but couldn’t get anyone home—a result in contrast to so much of the rest of the season.
The team, with a school record 56 wins and only 12 losses on the season, was welcomed home Saturday night at Davenport Field.