After struggling in conference play earlier in the season with a 4-12 record and then facing elimination six times within the past 10 days, the University of Virginia (U.Va.) upset Dallas Baptist on Monday, June 14 to advance to the College World Series.
U.Va. freshman right fielder Kyle Teel connected for a grand slam with the Cavaliers down by one run, facing two outs with bases loaded. Then the pitcher for the Cavaliers, Matt Wyatt, secured the final six outs in an impressive relief effort and a 5-2 win.
It’s U.Va.’s first trip to the College World Series, which will take place in Omaha, since 2015. Virginia joins Rice (1999) and Florida State (2008) to become the third team since the NCAA baseball tournament expanded the playoffs to 64 teams to move on to the “Big Dance” after losing its opening game in both the regional and super regional rounds and to then win six elimination games to advance to the College World Series.
U.Va. meets the No. 3 seed Tennessee on Sunday, June 20 at 2 p.m.
Compiled by WI Senior Editor D. Kevin McNeir