Opening Knight WinOpening Knight Win

Opening Knight Win

Opens in a new window Watch Highlights Opens in a new window Box Score Opens in a new window Box Score PDF Opens in a new window YouTube
Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – In front of an Opening Knight record crowd of 3,394 fans, the UCF baseball team stormed into 2018 with a 6-3 win over No. 15 Virginia on Friday night.
 
Guided by Dallas Beaver's career-high 3-for-4 performance, the No. 22 Knights took down a ranked opponent in the season opener for the first time in program history.
 
"It was a big win," head coach Greg Loveladysaid. "It was a big crowd and a huge opponent. I'm really proud of the guys. I thought we really managed the opening-night jitters. Chris Williams wasn't as sharp as I would have liked him to be, but he battled. JJ was phenomenal. He scared me a little bit going 3-0, but strategically it was part of the plan to use those two guys the whole night. It worked out to perfection."
 
UCF struck first in the bottom of the opening inning. Rylan Thomas laced a pitch beyond the outstretched arm of the Virginia third baseman to plate Ray Alejo from third. After an RBI single by Cavaliers in the second, Thomas drilled a 1-1 pitch over the wall in left to put the Knights back on top 3-1.
 
UVA climbed back to tie the game at 3-3 in the fifth, but Beaver brought the crowd at John Euliano Park back to its feet in the bottom half of the frame. The sophomore pelted a two-run shot to left to give the Knights the lead for good.
 
KEY STATS
No. 22 UCF (1-0) – 6, No. 15 Virginia (0-1) - 3 
Winning pitcher: Chris Williams (1-0)
Losing pitcher: Daniel Lynch (0-1)
Save: JJ Montgomery (1)
Top Performers: Dallas Beaver (3-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, HR), Rylan Thomas (2-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, HR)
 
JJ THROWS STRIKES
After UCF starting pitcher Chris Williams exited with a trio of strikeouts following five innings of work, JJ Montgomery made his first appearance for the Knights. The native from Indianapolis, Ind., went to work, striking out six batters over the course of four innings for the save. The junior allowed just a pair of Cavaliers on the base paths.
 



BIG PRODUCTION FROM BIG HITTERS
• Beaver and Thomas went a combined 5-for-8 on Opening Knight and accounted for five RBI.
• Thomas, The American Preseason Player of the Year, launched his 15th career home run.
• Beaver posted a career high in at-bats, hits, runs, RBI and total bases in just his fourth career start.
 
"Rylan Thomas and Dallas Beaver were unbelievable tonight with big hits," Lovelady added. "Virginia tied it, and Beaver comes right back out and hits a home run. Rylan had three humongous at-bats. Chandler Robertson came off the bench and got a huge hit. Then, Brandon Hernandez brought him in."
 


 
NOTABLES
• Thomas brought in the Knights' first three runs.
• The 3,394 fans in attendance was also the seventh largest crowd in the history of John Euliano Park.
• The Knights received brand new pinstripe uniforms just hours before first pitch.
• Seven Knights made their debut for the Black and Gold tonight.
• Of the newcomers, Alejo and Chandler Robertson picked up hits in their first career at-bats.
• Brandon Hernandez added an insurance run in the eighth on a RBI double to left.
• The Knights are now 31-15 on Opening Knight. 



 UCF will face Rice tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Knights will turn to lefty Joe Sheridan, while the Owls will counter with right-handed pitcher Matt Canterino.



DON'T MISS THE ACTION
Season and single-game tickets for UCF Baseball are on sale. Featuring a 36-game home schedule, John Euliano Park is set to host some of the best collegiate baseball in the country. For more information on tickets call 407-823-1000 or log on to ticketmaster.com.

GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.

FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF Baseball on social media on Facebook (/UCF.Baseball), Twitter (UCF_Baseball) and Instagram (UCF.Baseball).