IRVINE, Calif.—I went down to the field during batting practice to chat with the coaches, and Virginia’s Brian O’Connor said he’s turning to sophomore righthander Robert Morey (2-0, 3.25 with 70 strikeouts in 53 innings) tonight against San Diego State righty Stephen Strasburg. O’Connor said the decision came down to Morey or freshman lefthander Danny Hultzen, but he went with Morey for a few reasons: First, Morey has power stuff (89-93 with a vicious 82-84 slider) and gives UVa. the best chance to shut down the Aztecs in a game where runs figure to be at a premium. Secondly, Morey has been Virginia’s most consistent starter over the last month or so. And third, he’d like to have Hultzen for a potential matchup against UC Irvine, because Hultzen is a premium athlete who fields his position very well and can help negate the bunting game.

It’s an interesting gambit, and it makes a lot of sense to me. We’ll see how it plays out.