After the No. 14 North Carolina baseball team’s Wednesday night game against Appalachian State, coach Mike Fox talked to his players about the importance of the upcoming weekend series against No. 1 Virginia.
But after that meeting, Fox kept his mouth shut and let his team mentally prepare on its own.
“I downplayed this and haven’t said a word,” Fox said. “If I have to go out and talk to our guys about playing this series and what’s on the line, than they’re the dumbest bunch of players I’ve ever seen. They know what it’s about. We’re just trying to lay low, be quiet and let them play.”
And by the looks of the Tar Heels’ performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Boshamer Stadium, it seems Fox’s tactics paid off.
North Carolina (44-12, 20-10) swept top-ranked Virginia (44-12, 22-8), giving the Cavaliers their first series loss of the season.
Senior Patrick Johnson’s complete game shutout led the Tar Heels to a 6-0 win against the Cavaliers on Thursday. Johnson allowed just four hits and no walks while striking out nine.
The game marked the first time the Cavaliers have been held scoreless in the regular season since 2008.
During his nine innings on the mound, Johnson pitched to full counts with several batters. But Fox was pleased to see the senior earn his first complete game.
“You look on the sheet with him and he gets to so many 3-2 counts,” Fox said. “I’ve never seen a kid pitch on the edge like he does, but he’s able to make some unbelievable pitches in the toughest counts. I’m glad he was able to finish.”
