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Virginia Shuts Out Liberty In Midweek Clash

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Cavaliers got a pair of late home runs to break open a pitcher’s duel as Virginia (27-13) shut out Liberty (25-14) by a score of 3-0 at Palmer Park on Tuesday (April 11).

HOW IT HAPPENED
Liberty threatened in the top of the sixth with the first two batters reaching base on a single and a walk. A foul fly put the first out on the board before the lead runner stole third, but the Cavaliers retired the next two batters on a foul fly and a fly out to center to escape the jam.

Virginia broke the stalemate in the sixth with a solo home run from Jade Hylton. With one out on the board, she took the second pitch she saw over the fence in centerfield to get the Cavaliers on the board. Three batters later, Tori Gilbert added a two-run shot to center and the Hoos held the 3-0 lead.

Eden Bigham (11-4) picked up the win, scattering three hits as she walked three and struck out five on the night.

Paige Bachman (7-7) took the loss for the Flames as she allowed the three runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

NOTES ON THE DAY

  • Eden Bigham tossed her sixth complete-game shutout of the season with the victory.
  • Jade Hylton hit her 10th home run of the season with her solo shot in the sixth inning.
  • Tori Gilbert’s home run was her eighth of the year and 32nd of her career.
  • With the win, Virginia improves to 48-30 all-time against Liberty.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“I’m so proud of Eden (Bigham) for how she competed tonight. We had a team meeting before the game about what it takes to be an NCAA Tournament team; it takes clutch, gutsy outings and players executing big pitches and big swings in key moments. Eden put the team on her back tonight and Jade and Tori came up with big swings when we needed it.”

“We believe in everyone on our roster. We believe any player can get the hit or execute the pitch when we need them to. Now, at this point of the season, it’s time to do it. I loved what I saw in our team tonight and believe it will carry through the rest of the season.”

ON DECK FOR THE HOOS
Virginia heads back out on the road this weekend for a three-game series at No. 4 Florida State. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Friday on ACC Network.

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