The Hurricanes got a much needed victory on Sunday, defeating the Maine Black Bears 7-1. Miami’s freshman produced much of the offense for the ‘Canes in the victory, and hopefully the Hurricanes build on that in the future.

Sophomore Evan McKendry put together yet another great start for Miami today. He struggled early, giving up a run in the first inning that gave Maine an early 1-0 lead, but he settled in afterwards, and he was absolutely dealing.

Miami’s young freshman core had a great day offensively today. All seven of Miami’s runs were driven in by them, and they’ll need to keep that confidence heading into ACC play next weekend.

One notable player for Miami today was catcher Isaac Quinones. Quinones put together three great at-bats. He walked in two of them, and he also ripped a three-run double that gave Miami a 6-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth. Additionally, Quinones caught 32 of 33 innings this weekend, and played great defense throughout.

Tony Jenkins had the first big at-bat for the ‘Canes at the plate. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, and Miami in desperate need of some sense of offense, the freshman connected for a triple that scored two and gave Miami a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

The bottom of the fifth was very encouraging for Hurricanes fans. Miami put together several good plate appearances in a row, and they got timely hits from both Alex Toral and the aforementioned Quinones to score four runs in the frame. For the first time in a long time Miami appeared to actually be taking good swings, and they avoided chasing terrible pitches. This season will get a lot better for UM if the ‘Canes can put together more innings like this one.

The Hurricanes, holding a 5-6 record on the year, need to bring this level of competition and play to every game, especially since the ACC slate begins this week. We’ve seen two different kinds of Miami team this season, one that loses to Maine 6-1, and one that beats that same team 7-1. If Miami wants to have any chance at postseason play and any success in the ACC they’ll need the latter to show up. The Hurricanes can’t allow themselves to lose mid-week games like the one to FAU this past week. Miami desperately needs to find consistency, and they need to find it soon.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Evan McKendry (2-1, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 10 K)

Losing Pitcher: Chris Murphy (0-3, 4.1 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 BB, 4 K)

Save: None

Box Score:

Next Game

Mid-week @ FIU

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 7, 7:00 PM

Hurricanes Starter: Michael Mediavilla (0-2, 4.97 ERA)

FIU Starter: Nick MacDonald (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Television: None

Radio: 790 The Ticket