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Panthers can haz strikeouts!!!1111
As I wrote earlier, Pitt's baseball team has a chance to make some noise with a win or two against No. 1 ranked Virginia this weekend. Things are off to a dubious start, though.
The Panthers weren't only defeated 4-0 in Friday's opener, but they were no-hit. I pointed to staff ace Nathan Kirby in our brief preview, but even he couldn't have predicted how easy of a time he would have. Kirby mowed down 18 Panthers with strikeouts and cruised without allowing a single hit. Our good friend and baseball media relations contact John Gonoude says Kirby was reportedly getting up to 92-95 mph.
Pitt Head coach Joe Jordano was obviously impressed ...
#Pitt Coach Joe Jordano called Kirby's performance "One of the best games in my 27 years that has ever been thrown against us".
— Dan Sostek (@dan_sostek) April 5, 2014
A loss isn't unexpected considering Virginia has won 26 of their 30 games on the season. Still, a no-hitter wasn't what I had in mind. The Panthers also struggled in the field, committing three errors. Only one of the four runs starting pitcher Rhys Aldenhoven allowed was earned.
The lone bright spot was the relief pitching. Relievers Andrew Belfiglio and Jon Danielczyk pitched three scoreless innings giving up only one hit.
Rough start for the team but look on the bright side - at least Pitt won't have to see Kirby again this series.
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