Midweek Game - @ Florida Atlantic Owls

The Hurricanes look to improve their 2-4 record to 3-4 with a victory on wednesday. Hopefully in this game the Hurricanes’ offense can improve after a tough series vs Florida last weekend, where run support was lacking.

Freshman Greg Veliz makes his first start for the Hurricanes tonight, and he will look to impress with a career-opening win. Greg is undoubtedly a great prospect for the Hurricanes future pitching staff. He is a highly touted freshman, and reports have him as hitting as high as 97 mph on the gun.

The offense will have to support him though, and in this game I’d like to see the Hurricanes get back to the small-ball style. This team needs to understand that if we try to score by pure slugging we won’t have a lot of success. The biggest lesson this team needs to learn is that you don’t always need to be the hero, and that it is ok to just do YOUR job, and not to try and do everyone else’s. This game vs a relatively easy opponent is a prime opportunity to begin this learning process.

Miami has considerably more talent all around then the Owls, and look for UM to win this one and get back on track for the season. This represents a big opportunity for the offense to work out the kinks, and that will be vital as we get deeper into the schedule.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1.

Game Information:

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 P.M Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Greg Veliz (Freshman, has not pitched for UM)

Radio: WVUM 90.5

Television: None

Weekend Series - vs Dartmouth Big Green

The Hurricanes look to capture success in a weekend series after the embarrassment suffered in Gainesville last weekend.

Hopefully this weekend the Hurricanes can prove they can put solid defense on the field for three straight games, as in the last two weekend series the defense has struggled in the 3rd game.

The biggest question for Miami however, is offense. Miami has been a disaster offensively, the Hurricanes have often froze and been completely ineffective at the plate over entire games. Dartmouth represents a good opportunity for Coach Morris and the Canes’ to practice small-ball concepts, and to gather momentum going into ACC play.

On Sunday Michael Mediavilla will look to solve his problems on the mound. Mediavilla has struggled in the early season. Some of his struggles may be attributed to the weak defense behind him on two consecutive Sundays, but overall he has looked far weaker as a starter this season. His start versus Dartmouth represents a BIG opportunity to get himself back in his winning mindset.

I expect Jim Morris to experiment with the lineup even more this week. Morris has consistently been disappointed in the offensive production in his pressers, and has been somewhat disappointed in the defensive performance of key starters. Morris will begin to make moves in the lineup to help this team perform as best as they possibly can after evaluating them these first 6 games. Jim Morris is legendary for doing this, and the fan base should have confidence in his ability to right the ship.

The Hurricanes have far more talent top to bottom than Dartmouth, and Miami also has the advantage of being at home for the series, and we all know of the Mark Light magic. I feel that the offense should be able to solve the problems they have faced all season, and that the Hurricanes will move back above .500.

Prediction: Hurricanes sweep series, 3-0

Series Info:

Game 1:

Date & Time: Friday, March 3, 7:00 P.M Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Jesse Lepore (1-1)

Radio: WVUM 90.5

Television: ACC Network Extra

Game 2:

Date & Time: Saturday, March 4, 7:00 P.M Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Jeb Bargfeldt (1-1)

Radio: WVUM 90.5

Television: ACC Network Extra

Game 3:

Date & Time: Sunday, March 5, 12:00 P.M Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Michael Mediavilla (0-2)

Radio: 560 WQAM

Television: ACC Network Extra

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How do you think this week will go? Tell us in the comments below!