UVA Baseball coach Brian O’Connor is still trying to figure out a third starter.
Two of his best options, Bradley Hodges and Evan Blanco, factored negatively into the decision in a 5-4 Virginia loss in Game 2 of the three-game series at Virginia Tech on Friday.
The loss puts the Cavaliers’ NCAA Tournament hopes a bit on the fence.
Virginia (31-17, 15-11 ACC) could really use a road-series win to bolster a fragile postseason resume.
Virginia Tech (30-22, 12-17 ACC) is very much on the outside looking in as far as the NCAAs are concerned; the focus for the Hokies being just on securing a berth in next week’s ACC Tournament in Charlotte.
Hodges got the start for Virginia on Friday, and only got seven outs, getting knocked out with one out in the third after allowing four Hokies runs.
Bryson Moore did a nice job as a bridge guy, with three nearly pristine innings in relief, striking out three and allowing just one baserunner.
Blanco only had one blemish, a sixth-inning solo homer allowed to Tech reserve first baseman David Lewis that put the Hokies on top.
Virginia was able to get one baserunner on in each of its last three turns, but was not able to get the equalizer.
Game 3 is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. at English Field.
Tomas Valincius (5-1, 4.97 ERA) will get the ball for the ‘Hoos.
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Chris Graham
