The Virginia baseball team scored a run in the ninth inning to tie the game and pushed across the go-ahead run in the 10th to claim a crucial 2-1 win over North Carolina Thursday evening in the opener of a three-game ACC series at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Virginia (31-19, 13-15 ACC) reduced its magic number to clinch an ACC tournament bid to one and needs either a win or a Wake Forest loss over the next two games to seal a berth in the tournament.

“It was just a complete team effort,” Virginia head coach Brian O’Connor said. “Connor Jones was outstanding to go out there and give us eight strong innings and keep the game in check. (UNC’s) pitching was very good, but we hung in there and found a way to get a run in the ninth and another in the 10th. It was a huge win for us.”

Both starting pitchers were tremendous. Virginia starting pitcher Connor Jones (So., Chesapeake, Va.) was brilliant as he worked a career-high eight innings, giving up a run, seven hits and one intentional walk while striking out nine. UNC starter Zac Gallen went 8 1/3 innings, allowing a run, five hits and two walks while striking out six.

After moving to the mound from center field, Adam Haseley (Fr., Windermere, Fla.) earned the win and improved to 2-1 after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He also scored the eventual game-winning run after doubling in the 10th inning. Alec Bettinger (So., Woodbridge, Va.) stranded runners at second and third base in the 10th inning to earn his third save. Trent Thornton (3-6) took the loss for North Carolina (32-20, 13-14) after allowing the 10th-inning run.