Virginia Tech 5, No.6 Miami 3: Hurricanes Struggle at the Plate in ACC Opener

The Miami Hurricanes’ home opener didn’t go to plan on Friday night as the Hurricanes dropped the first game of a three game series against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Miami dropped to 2-2 (0-1 ACC) on the season after the game and faces the challenge of getting an offense that batted just .239 last week and had just six hits tonight back on track.

Miami got out to a good start for the evening in the bottom of the first. Jordan Lala started off the inning by reaching after getting hit by a pitch. He then stole second and took third on a wild pitch that also walked Anthony Vilar. Yohandy Morales and Adrian Del Castillo then both had RBI singles to make the score 2-0.

Virginia Tech responded in the top of the second. A double and an RBI-single gave the Hokies a run before Cade Hunter hit a two-run homerun off of Daniel Federman to give them the lead. VT extended the lead in the third with a leadoff triple and another two-run homerun that made the score 5-3.

Miami responded with a run in the bottom of the inning. A bunt single, walk, and an error gave the Hurricanes the bases loaded with nobody out. Adrian Del Castillo struck out looking, continuing a worrying trend of Hurricanes batters looking at strike three in big spots, before Alex Toral hit a sac-fly. The inning ended when Anthony Vilar was caught trying to tag-up on the play, one of several costly baserunning errors that didn’t help an already struggling Miami offense.

Neither team scored after the third inning as both starters settled in. Miami managed just six hits on the evening and walked just four times. The Hurricanes were not nearly aggressive enough at the plate, especially in important situations. Miami left five men on base, and in close ACC games with limited baserunners the Hurricanes will have to convert more run-scoring opportunities.

The Hurricanes will hope to get back into the win column tomorrow night against the Hokies. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Matthew Siverling (1-0, 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)

Losing Pitcher: Daniel Federman (0-2, 6.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 7 K)

Save: Shane Connolly (2)

(Box Score posted when available)

Next Game

Vs Virginia Tech Game Two

Date & Time: Saturday, February 27, 7:00 p.m.

Hurricanes Starter: Alejandro Rosario (0-0, 4.50 ERA)

Virginia Tech Starter: TBA

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra (ESPN3)