Virginia Sweeps Miami in Thrilling Weekend Series to Bolster Postseason Hopes (5-12-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: UVA Athletics
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA—The Virginia Cavaliers (30-16, 14-10 ACC) delivered a statement performance over the weekend, sweeping the Miami Hurricanes (30-20, 14-11 ACC) in a critical Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) baseball series at Disharoon Park from May 9-11, 2025. Facing a red-hot Miami team riding a six-game winning streak and a 10-game ACC unbeaten run, the Cavaliers showcased resilience, clutch hitting, and stellar pitching to secure three dramatic victories, boosting their NCAA Tournament prospects with a 14-spot RPI jump to No. 59.
Game 1: Woolfolk Shines in 6-1 Rout (May 9)
The series opener set the tone for Virginia’s dominance, as senior pitcher Jay Woolfolk delivered a masterful performance in what may have been his final home start. Woolfolk tossed six innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven, effectively silencing Miami’s potent lineup. After surrendering a run in the third, he locked in, permitting only three Hurricanes to reach base over his final three frames.
Virginia’s offense wasted no time, erupting for three runs in the first inning on RBI singles from Henry Ford, Henry Godbout, and Harrison Didawick. The Cavaliers added insurance runs later, with Didawick capping the night with a two-run home run in the eighth, sealing a 6-1 victory. Didawick finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, pacing an offense that improved to 26-4 when scoring six or more runs. The win snapped Miami’s 10-game ACC winning streak, giving UVA a crucial momentum boost.
Game 2: Teel’s Walk-Off Heroics Secure 10-9 Comeback (May 10)
Saturday’s game was a rollercoaster, with Virginia staging a thrilling comeback to clinch the series in walk-off fashion. Miami jumped early, capitalizing on a shaky start from UVA left-hander Bradley Hodges (2-1, 1.21 ERA). The Hurricanes loaded the bases in the third inning, drawing a walk and then unloading with a grand slam to surge to a 7-2 lead. Miami tacked on another run in the fourth, leading 8-3.
Undeterred, the Cavaliers chipped away. Trailing 8-3 in the fifth, Virginia’s bats began to stir, cutting the deficit to 8-4. The game’s turning point came in the seventh when Harrison Didawick launched a game-tying home run, igniting the Disharoon Park crowd. The teams traded blows in the late innings, with Miami regaining a 9-8 lead in the ninth. But Virginia refused to fold. In the bottom of the ninth, Aidan Teel stepped to the plate with runners on and delivered a walk-off RBI single, sending the Cavaliers into a frenzy with a 10-9 victory.
Game 3: Ford’s Power Lifts UVA to 8-6 Sweep (May 11)
With the series already secured, Virginia aimed for the sweep on Sunday, and Henry Ford ensured they finished the job. Ford smashed two home runs and drove in four RBIs, powering the Cavaliers to an 8-6 victory in the finale. Miami kept the game close, but Virginia’s bullpen held firm, and the offense provided just enough cushion to fend off a late Hurricanes rally.
The sweep was a testament to Virginia’s depth and determination. Facing a Miami team that had won 16 of its last 19 games, the Cavaliers leaned on standout performances from Ford, Didawick, and Teel, while their pitching staff—led by Woolfolk’s gem in Game 1—kept Miami’s high-powered offense in check. The series win marked a critical step for Virginia, which entered the weekend at No. 74 in RPI and desperately needed quality wins to bolster its postseason resume.
Key Performances and Context
Harrison Didawick (UVA): The outfielder was a catalyst all weekend, delivering a two-run homer in Game 1 and a game-tying shot in Game 2, finishing the series with multiple RBIs and clutch hits.
Henry Ford (UVA): Ford’s two-homer, four-RBI performance in Game 3 underscored his emergence as a power threat, helping seal the sweep.
Aidan Teel (UVA): Teel’s walk-off single in Game 2 was the defining moment of the series, showcasing his poise in high-pressure situations.
Jay Woolfolk (UVA): The senior’s six-inning, one-run outing in Game 1 set the tone, earning praise for his command and efficiency.
Daniel Cuvet (Miami): Despite the Hurricanes’ struggles, their third baseman continued to shine, coming off a 4-for-5 performance with five RBIs against FIU earlier in the week. However, Virginia’s pitching limited his impact in the series.
The series carried significant postseason implications for both teams. Virginia, under head coach Brian O’Connor, entered the weekend fighting to secure an NCAA Tournament bid after a disappointing 2024 College World Series appearance. The sweep over Miami—a team that had dominated recent ACC play—provided a much-needed boost, moving UVA to 14-10 in conference play and improving their RPI significantly. Miami, meanwhile, suffered a setback in its quest for a strong ACC Tournament seed, falling to 14-11 in conference action.
Looking Ahead
Virginia’s sweep sets the stage for a strong finish to the regular season. The Cavaliers host George Mason on May 13 before closing the regular season with a three-game series at Virginia Tech (May 15-18). With the ACC Tournament looming in Durham, NC (May 20-25), UVA’s performance against Miami has positioned them well to secure one of the top 12 spots in the conference championship.
Miami, meanwhile, will look to regroup as it faces its final regular-season series, hoping to regain momentum before the postseason. The Hurricanes’ potent offense, led by players like Cuvet, remains a threat, but their pitching will need to stabilize to make a deep run in Durham.
Conclusion
The Virginia Cavaliers’ sweep of the Miami Hurricanes was a defining moment in their 2025 season, showcasing their ability to compete with the ACC’s elite. With standout performances from Woolfolk, Didawick, Ford, and Teel, UVA proved they are a force to be reckoned with as the postseason approaches. For Miami, the series was a rare stumble in an otherwise strong campaign, but their talent suggests they’ll remain a dangerous team in the ACC Tournament. As both teams turn their focus to the final week of the regular season, the echoes of this thrilling series will resonate in Charlottesville and beyond.
