Ahead of a start in the College World Series opener against North Carolina, Virginia pitcher Evan Blanco is doing his best not to let the moment get to him.
Cavaliers head coach Brian O’Connor is sending Blanco to the mound after he’s already faced the Tar Heels once this season. Back on April 5, he started and lasted 6.1 innings, giving up six hits and two runs on two homers, as UVA would come out on top 7-2 with Blanco picking up the win.
Given the stakes and that he’s faced UNC once already, reporters asked Blanco at media sessions this week whether he’s preparing a little bit differently for this game compared to others. Not at all, he says.
“I wouldn’t say that I would approach it any differently. I’ve kind of followed the same routine and pattern throughout the whole year. The only thing that’s different is the team that we’re playing,” he merely responded.
No change is needed for Evan Blanco as it is, since he’s been on a heater to close the year. He’s gone at least six innings in his last four starts, totaling 26.1 over that span. Blanco gave up just 10 runs during that stint as well, with the Cavaliers going on to win all four games.
Obviously, with Blanco starting in the CWS, his head coach has confidence in him. But Brian O’Connor has really loved what he’s seen from Blanco of late and said as much in his own press conference ahead of the games.
“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,” said O’Connor. “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.”
Although, O’Connor did like Blacno’s outing last time the Heels and Cavs met.
“Evan did have a nice start. I believe he went six innings and gave up a couple of runs and pitched very, very well. 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.”
The Tar Heels have seen him once and know what to expect, but Blanco’s been reliably solid no matter the opponent this season. That’s why the Virginia head coach has faith in leading off the CWS with him.
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