Freshman John Paone's strong start boosts Virginia in series-sweeping win over VCU

Richmond, Va. — Virginia baseball completed a weekend sweep of VCU on Sunday, riding the right arm of freshman John Paone to a commanding victory at The Diamond. Paone, making his first start of the series, spun six shutout innings against the Rams, setting the tone for the Cavaliers’ rubber-match triumph and securing the season series sweep.

The 18-year-old right-hander scattered just three hits, walked one and struck out five while keeping the Rams off the scoreboard throughout his outing. His efficient 78-pitch performance allowed Virginia’s bullpen to enter in the seventh with a comfortable lead, and the Hoos never looked back.

Virginia’s offense provided early support, plating four runs in the first three frames and tacking on three more in the late innings to seal the win. The victory pushes the Cavaliers’ record to 3-0 against VCU this season and extends their current winning streak to six games.

Paone’s effort marked the second straight weekend a Virginia freshman has delivered a quality start, underscoring the program’s depth on the mound. With the sweep in hand, Virginia turns its attention to ACC play later this week.