Ethan Anderson leads off seventh inning with solo home run to cut TCU lead

Virginia baseball star Ethan Anderson gave the Cavaliers some life in the seventh inning of Sunday’s College World Series elimination game against TCU. The infielder got hold of a pitch and sent to deep to left center for a solo home run.

The home run was the 15th this season for Anderson and came when Virginia needed it most, cutting the Horned Frogs lead to 3-2 heading into the eighth. You can view the moment below.

Touch 'em all, EA!#GoHoos | #MCWS | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/KRFhFWZhtD

— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) June 18, 2023

The home run was the fourth of the NCAA Tournament for Ethan Anderson, who also went yard twice in the Cavaliers’ Super Regional series win against Duke. TCU was able to quickly answer with an RBI double from Austin Davis in the top of the eighth inning to increased the lead to 4-2.

Virginia will face an uphill battle to stave off elimination, as it is 0-7 this season when trailing after seven innings. The Cavaliers have so far had trouble connecting with the ball, as they have just four hits compared to 11 for TCU.

However, it appears the home run from Anderson has given Virginia a spark, as Harrison Didawick led off the eighth inning with a single. Didawick later scored after Ethan O’Donnell drove him in on a ground ball, making things interesting as the score is 4-3 heading into the ninth.

The winner of this contest will move on to face the loser between Florida and Oral Roberts in another elimination game at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

TCU hangs on for 4-3 win to knock out Virginia

The Virginia defense took care of business to get out of the top of the ninth inning without giving up a run, providing the offense a chance to tie or even win the game. After two quick outs to start the inning, Casey Sauke got in scoring position to reach second base on a fielding error.

That made things intense as Anthony Stephan stepped up to the plate looking to drive in the tying run. However, he ultimately struck out as the Cavaliers saw their season end.

It was still a successful season by all means for Virginia, who ends the year with a 50-15 overall record. The College World Series appearance was the second in the past three seasons for the Cavaliers, and they’ll hope to make it back again next year.

As for TCU, the Horned Frogs next have another elimination game Tuesday against the loser of Sunday evening’s game between Florida and Oral Roberts.