No.21 Miami 12, Bethune-Cookman 7: Offense Powers ‘Canes Past Wildcats

Miami is 33-14 (14-10 ACC) after a win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday night that clinched another series victory for the ‘Canes. The Hurricanes needed a late rally to avoid what would’ve been a disastrous loss, but timely hitting and good relief pitching helped the ‘Canes to victory.

Bethune-Cookman jumped out to an early lead in the top of the third with an RBI single and RBI fielder’s choice, but Miami immediately responded just as they did on Friday night by scoring four runs in the bottom of the inning. Adrian Del Castillo, Ray Gil, and JP Gates all had key hits to help drive in runs in that inning, and each player would make several more important plays later on into the evening.

After Miami added on two more runs in the bottom of the fifth, a disastrous top of the sixth occurred for Slade Cecconi on the mound. He wasn’t helped by his defense, which made two errors in the half inning, but he allowed four runs, including a three run home run, that tied the game at six. Cecconi has really struggled once he gets to the middle innings all season, and J.D. Arteaga will need to help him figure out a way to stay consistent deeper in starts to ensure the ‘Canes have a legitimate fourth starter in the postseason.

The Hurricanes found a way to immediately respond yet again, as they plated a go-ahead run with an RBI double from Adrian Del Castillo that made the game 7-6. Unfortunately, this time Bethune-Cookman took a page out of Miami’s book and put together a response of their own, tying the game at seven in the seventh with an RBI single off of Daniel Federman.

However, BCU proved unable to find an answer for Miami’s offense in the eighth, as the ‘Canes put together a five run inning to earn victory. A wild pitch with the bases loaded scored the first run of the frame, and it was quickly followed by a JP Gates two-RBI single to make the score 10-7. Alex Toral then came to the plate a few batters later with two men on, and roped another two-RBI single into right to make the game 12-7.

Greg Veliz dominated in the ninth to give Miami the series win. The Hurricanes almost played themselves out of contention to host a regional with their play tonight, but they were bailed out by their bats. Astoundingly Miami managed to win despite making four errors in the game, and that play in the field can not continue if the ‘Canes hope to keep their winning streak alive.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Greg Veliz (2-1, 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K)

Losing Pitcher: Seth Lovell (2-4, 2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K)

Save: None

(Box score posted when available)

Next Game

Vs Bethune-Cookman Game 3

Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 1:00 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Tyler Keysor (5-0, 4.28 ERA)

Bethune-Cookman Starter: Isaak Gutierrez (2-2, 3.21 ERA)

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra