Cavaliers strike back, even series to force game 3

 
 
 
 
 
 

Clement’s RBI single in the sixth broke up a scoreless game

Omaha, Neb. – Freshman infielder Ernie Clement’s RBI single in sixth inning, driving in Kevin Doherty was enough to help the Virginia Cavaliers even the College World Series Finals at one game a peace with a 3-0 shutout of Vanderbilt on Tuesday night.
It all started after Vanderbilt’s pitcher Phil Pfeifer retired the first two batters.  Soon after, Kevin Doherty and center fielder Joe McCarthy reached base with an infield single and a scorcher to first baseman Zander Wiel which was mishandled.  Clement followed with an RBI single to left field, and Thomas Woodruff slapped a 2-out, 2-RBI single to center field, giving Virginia a 3-0 lead.
The Cavaliers’ freshman pitcher Adam Hasely pitched five shutout innings.  He surrendered four singles, walked three, and struck out one before yielding to relief pitcher Josh Sborz.
“Haseley rose to the occasion on the mound and just gave us a high quality start,” explained Cavaliers coach Brian O’Connor.  “Josh Sborz did what he’s been doing this entire tournament, grinding out the back half of the game.”
Virginia may have surprised the Commodores by sending Haseley to the mound in game 2.
Commodores coach Tim Corbin admitted to having limited information on Haseley. We didn’t know much about him and we didn’t do much against him,” Corbin mentioned.
Sborz (7-2) picked up the win.  It was his third in the (CWS), but it wasn’t without tension as Vanderbilt got its leadoff hitters on base in the sixth, seven and ninth innings.
For the Commodores, Bryan Reynolds led off with a single and Will Toffey walked.  It was all for nothing after Sborz struck out Jeren Kendall, Karl Ellison flied out, and Nolan Rogers struck out to end the game.
The opportunities were there for the Commodores but going 0-for10 with runners in scoring position only complicated matters.
Corbin credits the pitching of Haseley, Sborz and the Cavaliers defense for slowing the Commodores offense.
The two teams met last year for the title with Vanderbilt winning it.  Like last year, it all comes down to winner take-all game 3 which is set for Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Phil Pfeifer (6-5) took the loss for Vanderbilt.  All three runs were unearned and came after two outs in the sixth inning.