Seminoles Defeat Virginia

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May 13, 1998

DURHAM, N.C. — Right-hander Chris Chavez struck out eight batters in a complete game as he led Florida State (46-16) to 4-1 win over Virginia (28-25-1) in front of 1,386 fans in the ACC Tournament at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Chavez (7-3) retired 13 consecutive batters between the second and sixth innings before surrendering a basehit to Virginia second baseman Ryan Gilleland. He gave up just one run on five hits and walked two batters in his second complete game of the season.

“Chris Chavez spotted his fastball very well in another outstanding outing in the ACC Tournament,” commented Coach Mike Martin.

The win was Chavez’ third of his career in the ACC Tournament. It was also the first run he had given up in ACC Tournment play in 26 2/3 innings pitched.

First baseman Kevin Cash drove in two runs on three hits to lead the Seminoles offensivly. Catcher Jeremy Salazar and rightfielder Matt Diaz also contributed two hits to FSU’s campaign.

“We did a lot of little things well today,” said Martin. “It was fun to watch them play.”

Virginia shortstop Tim LaVigne ripped a double off the left field wall and scored a on basehit by catcher Mark Rueffert as the Cavaliers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

Salazar, in his first start since coming back from a hamstring injury, led off the second inning with a single to right field. First baseman Kevin drove in Salazar with a basehit to right field as the Seminoles tied the game 1-1.

The Seminoles took a 2-1 lead on three consecutive singles in the fourth inning. Designated-hitter Terry Henderson started the two-out rally with a basehit to centerfield and rightfielder Matt Diaz followed with a hit up the middle before Cash drove home Henderson with his second RBI -single of the day.

Florida State added two runs in the seventh as Cash belted his third hit of the day and scored on a throwing error by Virginia pitcher Casey Kennedy. Shortstop Brett Groves singled and came home on a double to left field by third baseman Jose Zabala to make the score 4-1.

Kennedy (5-7) gave up four runs on 12 hits and struck out five batters in eight innings of work in the loss.

Florida State will play Wake Forest in the second round of the ACC Tournament tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.

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