UVA gets four pitchers as Augustin returns

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia’s baseball roster has continued to grow, particularly its pitching staff, after the announcement that Matt Augustin is returning from the portal, a new high school commitment and two more additions from the portal from outside programs.

First, Augustin announced Thursday that he is returning to UVA after a lengthy discussion with new Cavaliers coach Chris Pollard.

Augustin is a sophomore reliever who made 22 appearances for the Wahoos, compiling a 4.13 ERA, including 25 strikeouts over 28.1 innings.

Virginia also added incoming commitment Chris Worley of Grand Blanc, Michigan. Worley, who committed to Notre Dame in 2023, announced Thursday that he will instead pitch for UVA.

The 6-foot, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher (also can play first base and third base), has a fastball that averaged 88 mph, but has reached 94, along with an effective slider.

Pollard also will welcome two players from the transfer portal, both pitchers.

Tyler Kapa, a right-handed pitcher who has steadily climbed his way from Division-III Alma to Mott Junior College, to Division-II Davenport, to Division-I Eastern Michigan, will finish his career at one of the ACC’s top programs in Charlottesville.

The right-handed reliever has a fastball that measures in the mid-90s and has touched 95-96 mph. His 90 strikeouts in 66 innings for Eastern Michigan this past season (12.27 strikeouts per nine innings) ranked 24th in the nation and No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference.

Kapa only walked 23 while posting a 5-7 record and a 6.82 ERA out of the bullpen.

He also drew interest from Notre Dame and Michigan State.

Another pitcher from the portal to commit to the Cavaliers is Frank Willius from Division-III Cal Lutheran.

The 6-foot-4 southpaw caught the eye of Pollard’s staff with his 53 strikeouts in 32.2 innings, with only 12 walks. He had a 3-2 record with a pair of saves and a 2.76 ERA. Willius depends heavily on a fastball and slider.

A Denver native, Willius drew interest from Washington and Oregon.