UVA Baseball Wins Season Opener Under New Coach Chris Pollard

Cavaliers' offense erupts in 6th inning to defeat Wagner 13-7

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In Chris Pollard's debut as the new head coach of the University of Virginia baseball team, the Cavaliers defeated Wagner 13-7 in their season opener. UVA's offense scored 4 runs in the 1st inning and then exploded for 7 runs in the 6th inning, highlighted by a 3-run home run from third baseman Aiden Harris and a solo shot from Zach Jackson. Duke transfer Sam Harris led the Cavaliers with 4 hits.

Why it matters

This win marks the start of a new era for UVA baseball under head coach Chris Pollard, who previously led Duke's program to success. The Cavaliers are looking to bounce back after a down season in 2025 and this opening day victory suggests their offense could power them to a strong campaign in 2026.

The details

UVA starter Henry Zatkowski, a transfer from Duke, struggled in his Cavalier debut, allowing 5 runs in 3 innings. But the offense picked him up, with Duke transfer AJ Gracia driving in the first run of the game and shortstop Eric Becker, one of two returning starters, scoring 3 runs. After Wagner took a 7-6 lead in the 6th, UVA's bats erupted for 7 runs to pull away for the win.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Chris Pollard

The new head coach of the University of Virginia baseball team, previously the head coach at Duke University.

Sam Harris

Duke transfer who led UVA with 4 hits in the season opener.

Eric Becker

One of two returning starters in UVA's lineup, scored 3 runs batting leadoff.

Aiden Harris

UVA third baseman who hit a 3-run home run in the 6th inning to spark the Cavaliers' offense.

Zach Jackson

UVA outfielder who hit a solo home run in the 6th inning as part of the Cavaliers' 7-run outburst.

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What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to build on this opening day victory as they continue their season. Their next game is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th against Wagner.

The takeaway

Chris Pollard's arrival as the new UVA baseball coach has brought a renewed sense of optimism, as evidenced by the Cavaliers' offensive outburst in his debut. If the team can continue to hit like this, they could be poised for a bounce-back season and a return to the NCAA Tournament.