The Hurricanes dropped Game 1 of a 3-game series against the Dartmouth Big Green on Friday, 1-0.

The only run of the game came in the top of the first inning, when two consecutive Dartmouth doubles drove in their first and only run. Jesse Lepore then handled the rest of the inning, and ultimately the game, easily.

It looked like the Hurricanes might come back quickly, when Johnny Ruiz hit a ground-rule double in the bottom of the second, but two strikeouts and a groundout ended a chance for a Hurricane run.

Both sides didn’t do anything offensively until the top of the sixth, when Dartmouth put a man in scoring position, but a strikeout for Jesse Lepore ended the threat.

The duel then continued, and Jesse Lepore reached a new career high 8.0 innings pitched, and was taken out of the game in the top of the ninth after a strong outing. Andrew Cabezas was asked to keep the game close, and he did just that, recovering after allowing two Dartmouth runners.

In the bottom of the ninth the Canes’ mounted no threat, and they lost the game 1-0.

Jesse Lepore put together another spectacular outing, but once again was let down by his offense, this team can’t expect him to pitch a shutout every game.

This was yet another pitcher's duel against an inferior opponent that Miami came out on the wrong side of. If the team can not figure out how to produce against Dartmouth, which is ranked 190 in the NCAA Baseball power rankings, what can we expect come ACC play. We MUST use the small ball more, Morris needs to find a way to incorporate it quickly, or this team is going nowhere fast, let alone Omaha.

WIth this kind of lack of production and inability to score, the Hurricanes face a very real worry of being rolled-over in the ACC. There is talent on this roster, but Jim Morris needs to show once again why he is a legendary manager by figuring it out.

Although before we all panic about the “lack of talent” or “offensive struggles”, let’s remember that 3 was often most successful with his least talented teams.

However, the Hurricanes have serious issues, and time is running out before they have to be fixed...

Because this team plays ACC competition NEXT WEEKEND, and they are in no shape to do it.

Game Stats:

Winning Pitcher: Beau Sulser (2-0, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, 7.0 IP)

Losing Pitcher: Jesse Lepore (1-2, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 8.0 IP)

Save: Chris Burkholder (2)

Next Game:

Tomorrow, vs Dartmouth, 7:00 P.M Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Jeb Bargfeldt (1-1)

Radio: WVUM 90.5

Television: ACC Network Extra