The Diamond Heels were on the wrong end of the 10-run rule Friday, as visiting Virginia dominated UNC 13-3 in a game ended after seven innings.

The Cavalier bats jumped all over UNC starting pitcher Jason DeCaro, bashing six hits and scoring five runs in just three innings. Only two of those Virginia runs were earned, as the Cavaliers capitalized on an error by third baseman Cooper Nicholson to jumpstart a four-run rally in the top of the third inning. It was one of three Carolina fielding errors on the day.

Virginia upped its lead to 8-0 in the fourth before UNC finally scratched a run across in the bottom of the inning, but the Cavaliers kept coming with a run in the fifth and two in the sixth. Despite Carolina scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the sixth, Virginia scored twice more in the seventh to take a 13-3 lead, putting the Cavaliers in run-rule position. UNC did not score in the bottom of the inning, ending the game.

Four of the five Carolina pitchers to appear on the day were charged with at least two earned runs, and the Cavaliers banged out 13 total hits and drew six walks. In addition, UNC pitchers threw five wild pitches and hit two Cavalier batters.

Friday’s loss marks the second consecutive season Carolina has dropped its ACC opener at home. The Diamond Heels are now 12-2-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. They will face Virginia again in a doubleheader at Boshamer Stadium Saturday, with the first game scheduled for 1 p.m. and the second game slated to start one hour after the first game’s conclusion.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Joe Bray

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