No.24 Miami 2, Virginia Tech 0: Great Pitching Propels ‘Canes to Sweep

The Miami Hurricanes earned a sweep over the Virginia Tech Hokies with their second consecutive shutout Sunday afternoon. The ‘Canes are 31-14 (14-10 ACC) after the weekend, and find themselves on a four game win streak heading into a week off before facing Bethune-Cookman next weekend.

The Hurricanes pitching staff was the reason Miami won today and swept the series as a whole. Despite not having Evan McKendry or Chris McMahon this weekend, Miami allowed just three runs in the entire series.

In today’s game, Miami’s pitching staff was dominant. Tyler Keysor got the start for the ‘Canes, and worked 4.2 innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven batters. After he departed the game the bullpen was fantastic, giving up just two hits and two walks and striking out five. Daniel Federman was especially important, working three scoreless innings to pick up his seventh save of the season.

On offense, Miami struggled, but one swing of the bat was all the Hurricanes needed in this game. That swing came from Adrian Del Castillo, who launched a two run home run over the fence in right field in the bottom of the fourth that won Miami the game.

The Hurricanes defense was equally as important, for the second consecutive game Miami had no errors in the proceedings. As a team, the ‘Canes had just one error over the 27 innings played this weekend. Defense is the difference in close games, and Miami finally played a solid, clean weekend in the field.

With the win, and the sweep, the Hurricanes are up to 11th in RPI in the nation. Miami is firmly in contention to host a regional in the tournament after this weekend, but will need a strong end to the year to prove themselves as a capable team come Selection Monday at the end of May.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Tyler Keysor (5-0, 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K)

Losing Pitcher: Nic Enright (1-2, 4.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K)

Save: Daniel Federman (7)

Box Score:

Next Game

Vs Bethune-Cookman Game 1

Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 7:00 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Not announced

Bethune-Cookman Starter: Anthony Maldonado (2-4, 3.61 ERA)

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra