Thrilling comeback sends Cavs to World Series

Virginia is headed back to Omaha.

This time, however, the trip to the College World Series was secured in improbable fashion.

Down to their final strike in the ninth inning and with the bases empty, the Cavaliers mounted a dramatic rally and sophomore shortstop Chris Taylor delivered a walk-off two-run single to upend UC Irvine 3-2 in the Charlottesville Super Regional, sending the 5,050 fans into a frenzy.

“This makes it the most special,” Virginia coach Brian O’Connor said of winning at home. “Our fans have been amazing. I’m sure glad that they are on our side.”

The surreal moment allowed the Cavaliers (54-10) to advance to the College World Series for the second time in program history and exacted some demons.

Last year, Virginia lost the first-ever Super Regional to be held at Davenport Field as Oklahoma won the final two games.

This time Virginia was able to be the team that raced onto the grassy infield and dog piled, a long-time tradition for teams that secure a bid to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

In the ninth, David Coleman delivered a two-out single into center, Jared King followed with an infield hit and pinch hitter Reed Gragnani walked on four pitches.

With the bases loaded, Taylor slapped the second pitch he saw from UC Irvine reliever Matt Summers past the pitcher’s glove and into center.

Pinch runner Corey Hunt, a Monticello High School graduate, raced from second base and slide into the plate at home as his teammates raced from the dugout and the melee began.

“The bases were loaded so I knew I had to be real patient,” said Taylor, who had two of Virginia’s 10 hits. “Luckily, it found a hole. I wanted to stay simple and hit it hard up the middle. I’m speechless right now.

“It feels real good. I am so proud of my teammates.”

When the Cavaliers made their first trip to the College World Series they secured the win at Ole Miss, winning the pivotal third game in the three-game series. They eventually fell to LSU and Arkansas.

Virginia advances to play Cal on Sunday at 2 p.m. at TD Ameritrade Park, a 24,000-seat facility that will be hosting the eight-team event for the first time.