PITTSBURGH, Pa.– The Pittsburgh Panthers continued their habit of defeating top ranked teams as they beat No. 5 Virginia, 9-4, on Friday, April 15.
A pair of Cavaliers errors helped the Panthers to a six-run sixth inning that was the difference maker. Pitt starter Matt Gilbertson went eight innings against Division I’s highest scoring offense, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out eight.
Pitt broke the ice in the third inning. First-year center fielder Nick Giamrusti earned his first hit of the season on a single, and catcher Tatem Levins drove him in with a high fly ball that carried over the wall in right-center.
Giamrusti and Dom Popa started in favor of entrenched outfielders Kyle Hess and CJ Funk. Fly balls proved difficult for the inexperienced defenders at times on a day with 16 mile an hour winds, and the Cavaliers got a run of their own back in the fourth with consecutive two-out doubles.
UVA tied it 2-2 the next inning courtesy of a double, single, and sacrifice fly.
The Panthers loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth, and shortstop Tommy Tavarez walked in a run. Second baseman Jeffrey Wehler hit a fly ball that cleared the bases after bouncing off right fielder Casey Saucke’s glove. Levins singled Wehler in, and a wild pitch by Virginia reliever Jay Woolfolk made it 8-2.
Tavarez increased the lead to seven in the seventh with a solo shot to left.
Virginia put runners on second and third in the eighth with a single and double. They came around to score on a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly.
Baron Stuart took over for Gilbertson and recorded one strikeout in a scoreless ninth.
The win moves the Panthers to 20-12 on the season, and 8-7 in the ACC. They’ll continue their series against No. 5 Virginia at 3pm on Saturday, April 16, though inclement weather could push the game to Sunday. Logan Evans is projected to face off against Virginia starter Brian Gursky.
Great game! Gilbertson dominated.
Take the series tomorrow!
H2P