CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Alec Bettinger pitched six strong innings and Virginia opened defense of its national championship by routing five William & Mary pitchers for 20 hits in a 17-4 victory Friday.
Bettinger (3-5) allowed six hits and two runs while striking out four and walking one. His teammates made it easy for him, setting a school record for hits in an NCAA Tournament game and scoring in every inning but the first.
Recommended Videos
Ernie Clement had four RBIs and Adam Haseley and Jack Gerstenmaier each drove in three for the Cavaliers (38-20), who play East Carolina (35-21) on Saturday. Clement and Gerstenmaier hit their first home runs of the season as every Virginia starter finished with at least one hit and one RBI.
Dan Powers (8-6) lasted just three innings for William & Mary (29-30), allowing seven hits and six runs. The Tribe will face Bryant (47-11) in an elimination game.
Ryan Hall hit a two-run home run for the Tribe in the seventh inning.