No.3 Miami 8, Rutgers 2: Del Castillo, Rivera Power ‘Canes to Win

Miami worked around rain and a suspended game to get their second win of the season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Adrian Del Castillo and Gabe Rivera powered the Hurricanes to the win, with three home runs and seven RBIs between the pair.

The ‘Canes played seven innings last night, here’s our recap from that part of the game last night:

Miami got off to a strong start in the game. In the top of the first UM starter Chris McMahon put down Rutgers in order, striking out two. In the bottom of the frame Adrian Del Castillo hit an opposite field home run to give the ‘Canes an early 1-0 lead.

Rutgers put together a response in the top of the third. Four consecutive two-out hits gave the Scarlet Knights a 2-1 lead. The rally started with a Victor Valderrama single, Kevin Welsh followed with a single of his own, and then two doubles from Mike Nyisztor and Richie Schiekofer gave the Knights their first lead of the season.

Miami responded in the bottom of the frame. Tony Jenkins led off the inning with a single, and Adrian Del Castillo followed with his second home run of the night just inside the rightfield foul pole to put the Hurricanes up 3-2 after three.

After that the Hurricanes consistently got runners on base but failed to drive them in. Miami had a huge problem with leaving runners on base last season, something that appears to have continued in 2020.

In the bottom of the seventh the Hurricanes loaded the bases with no outs with a double and two walks. Gabe Rivera came to the plate and launched a grand slam to put the ‘Canes up 7-2.

The game then resumed at 12:00 p.m. Sunday. JP Gates extended the ‘Canes lead to 8-2 right after the rain delay, hitting a home run over the leftfield fence. Alex McFarlane then came into the game for the Hurricanes in relief. The freshman worked two strong innings, striking out three, and Miami moved to 2-0 with an 8-2 win.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Chris McMahon (1-0, 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K)

Losing Pitcher: Tommy Genuario (0-1, 4.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K)

Save: None

Box Score:

Next Game

Vs. Rutgers Game 3

Date & Time: Sunday, February 16, 1:20 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Slade Cecconi (2019: 5-4, 4.16 ERA)

Rutgers Starter: Tevin Murray (2019: 4-5, 3.01 ERA)

Radio: 790 The Ticket / WVUM 90.5 FM / 990 AM Unanimo Deportes