Halley helps spark Virginia past Norfolk State

Shortly after entering in a critical spot, rookie reliever Shane Halley made a regrettable pitch.
The wild pitch that pushed Norfolk State ahead a run was all but forgotten after Halley settled in and Virginia rallied for a 6-2 victory over the Spartans at Davenport Field.
Virginia, which improved to 24-4 on the season, scored two runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh off Norfolk State’s bullpen as it mounted the late charge.
The key, however, was the relief work of a seldom-used first-year performer.
“Shane Halley won that game for us,“ Virginia coach Brian O’Connor said. “He came in and held the game and allowed us to take the lead. If he doesn’t go out and pitch that way, we probably don’t win that ballgame.“
Halley allowed just one hit as he worked 3.1 innings of scoreless work. The rookie fanned three batters.
Trailing 2-1 in the sixth, UVa designated hitter Danny Hultzen delivered a two-run single to center that plated David Coleman and Jarrett Parker.
Coleman drove in two more runs in the seventh with a two-run single as the Cavaliers broke the game open with a three-run frame.
Prior to the offensive explosion, Virginia seemed to be sleepwalking through the mid-week affair.
“That happens. It is not an excuse and sometimes you have games like this, but what is important is that you find a way to win them,“ O’Connor said. “There are teams that lose games and they end up being costly for them.
“What is important is that we got it together and found a way to win a game.“
Virginia’s late offensive explosion came after Halley emerged to save starter Jeff Lorick and the right-hander masterfully silenced Norfolk State at the plate.
Virginia returns to action Friday at home against Maryland at 7 p.m.