Miami 10, FGCU 1: Cecconi Dominates in Win

After a marathon six hour game that Miami won 13-9 on Tuesday the ‘Canes won in dominant fashion over Florida Gulf Coast Wednesday. The Hurricanes are now 22-12 (7-8 ACC) on the season and have built some momentum heading into a tough weekend series on the road at Virginia.

Miami got on the board in the top of the third, Gabe Rivera hustled down the line to avoid what should have been a double play, stole second, and was driven in by Jordan Lala. Anthony Vilar then knocked a home run to right to make the score 3-0 in favor of Miami.

Then, in the top of the fifth, Alex Toral connected for a monster shot that pushed the lead out to four runs. Alex Toral now has 14 home runs through 34 games, and if he gets on a tear, the sophomore could reach the ‘Canes 2018 home run total of 23 entirely on his own in 2019.

Slade Cecconi finished the bottom of the fifth and then his day was done. The freshman put together the best outing of his career, not allowing a hit over his appearance while striking out seven.

Miami took complete control in the top of the seventh, scoring their final six runs of the evening. Three singles gave Miami the bases loaded with one out, and Gabe Rivera launched a grand slam to make the score 8-0. Three straight walks then loaded the bases for the second time in the inning, and an RBI fielder’s choice from Adrian Del Castillo made the game 9-0. Another walk loaded the bases, and a balk scored the Hurricanes tenth run of the evening.

Meanwhile the bullpen shut things down to give Miami the win. Mark Mixon, Bailly Mantilla, and Alex Ruiz pitched four innings. The trio allowed just three hits and one run and struck out six.

The Hurricanes needed this boost as they head into an important ACC series at Virginia this weekend. Miami needs to steadily continue to improve as the season goes on, and this success during this mid-week series is an important step towards that goal.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Slade Cecconi (5-2, 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K)

Losing Pitcher: Justin Gill (0-3, 6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)

Save: None

(Box Score posted when available)

Next Game

At Virginia Game 1

Date & Time: Friday, April 12, 6:00 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Evan McKendry (5-1, 3.91 ERA)

Virginia Starter: Griff McGarry (2-4, 4.34 ERA)

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra