Miami 3, Virginia 1: ‘Canes Earn Sweep Behind Another Great Pitching Performance

Miami is 25-12 (10-8 ACC) after finishing out a series sweep of the Virginia Cavaliers behind another great performance from Brian Van Belle. The ‘Canes are now tied for second in the Coastal Division of the ACC, and are just one game back of first place Georgia Tech.

Brian Van Belle put together another great outing on the mound to round out one of the best performances from the starting rotation across a weekend that we’ve seen in awhile. The junior pitched 6.2 innings, struck out six, walked one, and allowed just one earned run.

The Hurricanes bats had just six hits on the day, but two of them were home runs that made the difference. JP Gates put Miami on the board in the top of the fourth with a monster of a home run to right center. Michael Amditis gave Miami some breathing room in the top of the sixth with a line drive shot after Tony Jenkins singled that made the game 3-0 at the time.

In the bottom of the seventh Van Belle seemed poised for a quick inning after getting the first out on just three pitches. However, he allowed a double immediately afterwards, and after striking out Tanner Morris he was replaced by Mark Mixon. Mixon made a good pitch to Nic Kent in a 1-1 count, but Kent drove it the other way for an RBI triple that scored UVA’s only run on the afternoon.

Miami’s bullpen settled in after that allowing no runs and two hits over the next two innings. Daniel Federman and Greg Veliz combined to finish things out after both pitched yesterday. The win rounded out what was probably Miami’s best week of the season so far. The Hurricanes were 5-0 this week, and dominated every game they played in besides the second game of the doubleheader yesterday. They’ll need to use that momentum to their advantage heading into a week that includes another game against FGCU, and a tough road series at No.20 Louisville.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Brian Van Belle (5-2, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)

Losing Pitcher: Zach Messinger (1-2, 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K)

Save: Greg Veliz (5)

(Box Score posted when available)

Next Game

Vs FGCU

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 16, 6:00 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Slade Cecconi (5-2, 3.83 ERA)

FGCU Starter: Not announced

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra