Brian O'Connor recalls Evan Blanco's start vs. North Carolina earlier this year

Virginia finds itself in the College World Series and their first game of the event will be against a familiar opponent. North Carolina is on the other side, setting up for a fun ACC matchup. Two teams who know each other so well, there has never been more on the line than Friday’s game.

Head coach Brian O’Connor is sending Evan Blanco to the mound and he has faced North Carolina already this season. O’Connor was asked what he remembers about the start but pivoted in a different direction.

It’s not about what Blanco did specifically against the Tar Heels. More so his consistency down the stretch for Virginia and being the staff’s best pitcher — that’s why he gets to start the first game of the College World Series.

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“Evan did have a nice start. I believe he went six innings and gave up a couple of runs and pitched very, very well,” O’Conner said. “It’s not about necessarily whether he’s the right matchup for them. Evan Blanco has earned the right to start tomorrow in this opening game for what he’s done all year long.

“As of late, the back part of the season, he’s been incredibly consistent and went out there and given us six or seven innings every time and given us a chance to win the ball game. You’re going to go with your guy. He’s our guy. He’s earned it. That said, I know North Carolina will be prepared for him.”

Blanco pitched against UNC on April 5, throwing 6.1 innings while giving up six hits and two runs on two homers. The strikeout-to-walk ratio was one to be proud of though, fanning seven batters and only giving one a free base.

But as O’Connor mentioned, Blanco has been so good for Virginia down the stretch. He has gone at least six innings in his last four starts, totaling 26.1. Just 10 runs were given up as well and the Cavaliers went on to win all four games.

If Blanco can get deep into the game while limiting earned runs, the Cavaliers would be set up quite well for the rest of the College World Series. Finding a way to deal with your pitching staff as you advance is arguably the most important aspect of eventually winning a national championship.

For now, all the faith is in Blanco.