CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Chris Taylor hit a two-run single with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday, lifting Virginia to a dramatic 3-2 victory against UC Irvine and back into the College World Series.
“I’m speechless right now,” the sophomore shortstop said. “This is a dream come true. A player can only dream of a moment like this.”
The Cavaliers (54-10) were down to their last out against Anteaters ace Matt Summers, making his first relief appearance of the season, when David Coleman singled to center, Jared King singled off Summers’ leg and pinch-hitter Reed Gragnani drew a walk to load the bases.
Taylor then took a called strike before singling up the middle, just out of the reach of second baseman Tommy Reyes as two runs scored.
The Anteaters (43-18) scored in the top of the ninth with some uncharacteristic help from the Cavaliers. The run scored after a single and sacrifice attempt that catcher John Hicks threw away trying to get a force out at second base, allowing Sean Madigan to get to third with no outs. Madigan came home when Drew Hillman grounded into a double play, the Cavaliers oddly conceding the run even though they had been baffled all day by the Anteaters’ bullpen.
Texas A&M 11, Florida State 2
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Michael Wacha allowed two runs on three hits in 7 1/3 innings and the Aggies (47-20) rode a six-run first inning into the College World Series.
