Canes Take 2 of 3 From Clemson Behind Lights Out Pitching

On Friday, the Canes welcomed Clemson to The Light for a three game series. The game was a classic pitcher's duel, as the Tigers took the opener 1-0. Clemson starter, Daniel Gossett was virtually unhittable going 7 innings and giving up just 3 hits while striking out 10. He was throwing consistently in the low to mid 90s while getting up into the upper 90s when he needed it. Miami was only able to get 4 hits for the game with David Thompson accounting for 2 of them. He was the one player who had good at-bats against Clemson's pitchers. Canes starting pitcher, Chris Diaz pitched a gem, but unfortunately took the loss because of his offense. Diaz went 8 innings while giving up just 1 run on 4 hits and 7 Ks. Diaz fell to 3-3 on the season, but has a miniscule 1.70 ERA and has deserved better fate.

Saturday's game was very similar to Friday's except this time Miami would come out on top to even the series by a score of 2-1. Bryan Radziewski was outstanding again pitching 7 innings and giving up 1 run on just 2 hits and 10 strikeouts. It was a struggle for the Canes again offensively, but Chantz Mack and Alex Hernandez lead the way as Mack went 3-4 with an RBI and Hernandez went 2-4 with an RBI. Aj Salcines threw a scoreless 8^th while giving up no hits and a strikeout and Eric Nedeljkovic tossed a scoreless 9^th while giving up 2 hits and striking out 2 to earn his 9^th save. Radziewski improved his record to 6-1 and lowered his ERA to an astounding 1.13

On Sunday, Miami's bats finally woke up for once as the Canes shutout Clemson 7-0 to take the series. Andrew Suarez was tremendous as he pitched a complete game shutout while giving up just 6 hits and striking out 5. Alex Hernandez was a big part of the offense for the second straight game going 3-5 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. Garrett Kennedy also pitched in nicely going 2-4 with 2 runs scored. With the win, Suarez improved his record to 3-3 and won ACC Pitcher of the Week for his great performance.

This was a very successful weekend for Miami as they took the series from a solid Clemson team. The Canes improved their record to 27-16 overall and 10-11 in the ACC. This was also the first time this season Miami has won back-to-back ACC series. Yes, it was once again a struggle offensively for 2 of the 3 games, but the starting pitching was dominant. Miami has a chance to make a move in the ACC standings, as the next two conference foes are Boston College and Wake Forest. BC is 0-20 in ACC play and Wake is 7-14 in ACC play.

Next up is a mid-week game as Miami welcomes FAU to The Light on Wednesday at 6. The Owls have a good squad this year as they've played the Canes tough in both meetings this season. Back in the very beginning of the season, Miami won 5-4 in 11 innings in Boca, and FAU beat Miami 6-1 last month in Coral Gables. This would be a nice win for the Canes before traveling to Chestnut Hill this weekend.