The Miami Hurricanes lost Game 1 of their three game series vs the Florida Gators friday. The loss dropped the Hurricanes to 2-3 on the year.

Things started out well for the Hurricanes, as a double from Michael Burns was followed with a homerun by Michael Perez that gave Miami a 2-0 lead. That was followed by a Danny Reyes double, and he was driven in by Michael Amditis to give Miami a 3-0 lead.

Things turned quickly in favor of the Gators however, Miami wouldn’t score for the rest of the game, and Florida would have a 4-3 lead by the top of the fourth after a two-run homerun in the top of the second and a two run top of the fourth. A solo homerun for JJ Schawrz would push the lead to 5-3 for UF. Miami would hold the Gators from scoring until the top of the eighth, but the Hurricanes bats couldn’t get anything going. In the top of the eighth Florida tacked on two more, and the game was effectively over.

I find it difficult to stay positive with how this season is currently going for the Hurricanes. While the previous two losses could be attributed to one bad inning each game, this loss was purely as a result of Miami being completely outclassed by UF. Florida dominated our pitching staff, and after the first inning they dominated our batters. The Gators were clearly the better team, Miami batters were constantly fooled at the plate, and UF hitters made solid contact countless times.

This team should get better as time goes on, but years of bad-luck in the draft and the roster that has resulted from that are catching up with the ‘Canes. Miami simply doesn’t have the depth and talent it used to have, and it’s crushing as a fan. Whether that be because the coaching staff fails to understand the modern era of college baseball, or whether it’s because of just the right amount of bad luck, things need to change, and quick.

The pitching staff needs to be able to live up to their claims from before the season to allow Miami to have any success, and the Hurricanes’ hitters need to become much less passive and much more aggressive in order to be able to more effectively score runs. All to often the ‘Canes strike out because the bat simply lies on their shoulder.

I have faith that this team can get better, and that it probably will be better, but they’re already running out of time. At some point someone must step up and lead the team, and it has to be done soon.

Miami baseball is 5-24 in their last 29 games against the Florida Gators, that’s unacceptable. If we want to avoid another season of disappointment it needs to start tomorrow. In the world of college baseball there’s little time to work things out and turn things around. Miami desperately needs to wake up, and it needs to start against Florida. Miami is not a college baseball program that should go .500 in the ACC every year, Miami needs change, and it needs it now.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Brady Singer (2-0, 5.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K)

Losing Pitcher: Jeb Bargfeldt (1-1, 6.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K)

Save: Tommy Mace (1)

Box Score:

Next Game

Miami vs UF Game 2

Date & Time: Saturday, February 24, 7:00 PM

Hurricanes Starter: Greg Veliz (0-0, 6.00 ERA)

Florida Starter: Jackson Kowar (1-0, 2.57 ERA)

Television: ACC Network Extra

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM