Virginia Ousts Vandy For First College World Series Crown
When Vanderbilt scored two in the first frame Wednesday night, it appeared Virginia would head home with “No. 2” stamped on their foreheads. But the Cavaliers, who’ve lost scores of players and were playing miraculous baseball throughout the College World Series, refused to waive the white flag. Eight innings and four runs later, the Virginia team, who many thought didn’t have the moxy to last three games against perennial powerhouse Vanderbilt, were celebrating an impossible-to-comprehend 4-2 victory.
Sixty years. That’s the drought ACC baseball teams endured before Virginia brought home the championship last night, rattling off four answered prayers and withstanding several credible Vandy threats. Two of those runs came off the stick of freshman Pavin Smith, who belted a two-run souvenir in the second off MLB draftee Walker Buehler. The homer was the first allowed by Vanderbilt in the entire CWS, giving college sports enthusiasts an idea how determined this Virginia Cavaliers club remained throughout the finals.
After Vanderbilt stormed out to an early 2-0 lead, Virginia’s Brandon Waddell settled into six additional innings, where only two Commodores (51-21) managed to reach base. Smith broke a 2-all tie in the 5th by lacing a rocket down the third base line. He finished with 3 RBIs and some stellar defense. Nathan Kirby closed out the last two frames, whiffing 5 of 8 batters faced for his first save, while John Kilichowski took the loss in relief of Buehler.
With 44 wins, Virginia claimed the CWS title with the fewest wins since USC’s 1968 campaign. The Virginia team, in fact, didn’t have a concrete berth in the CWS until the season’s final weekend. But somehow, this Virginia club endured injury, a lengthy tournament, and the resilience of Vanderbilt’s powerful lineup to bring home the championship.
Kenny Towns added the insurance run needed in the seventh and made what easily could’ve been the tournament saving play at third. The veteran fully extended his body to rob Vanderbilt of additional runs in the fourth inning, which easily could’ve sent the game into extra frames. Yes, this poised Virginia club was written off when the final matchup was announced, but somehow silenced the naysayers in the final two games.
Josh Sborz received the series MVP award after winning three contests and fanning 13, although the final game honors belong to a Virginia team that refused to quit, despite spotting Vanderbilt two runs to open Game 3. Much like the Florida — Miami elimination match, many future MLB stars played all series long, although last night there was something great for everyone despite Virginia’s win.
