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The clash of the 305 for bragging rights electrified LoanDepot Park as fierce cross-town rivals faced off. A powerful shot to left became the pivotal moment in game one of this best-of-four series. In the 6th inning, Daniel Cuvet smashed his third home run of the year, decisively breaking the 3-3 deadlock and propelling the Canes to a commanding 7-3 lead. This home run utterly drained the Panthers’ energy, leaving them reeling as they managed a mere solitary single over the final four innings. Alex Giroux clinched his second win, bolstered by outstanding performances from Lozaro Collera, AJ Ciscar, and Jackson Cleveland.
Miami came out strong in the second inning, with Jake Ogden hitting a single, but the momentum was swiftly cut short by a 4-6-3 double play. Undeterred, Miami regrouped and drew walks from the next two batters. They then unleashed their offense with three consecutive RBI singles, establishing an early 3-0 lead.
The Panthers were determined to make their mark and responded in their half of the third inning with a leadoff double, followed by a single and a second double, finally putting their first score on the board. A powerful sacrifice fly to right field brought them within one run of the Canes, yet at no point during this surge of hits did pitching coach Laz Gutierrez feel the need to intervene. Instead, Alex was left to sort it out on his own, working to regain the strong control he had demonstrated in the first two innings.
Alex regained control during the 4th and 6th innings, retiring the Panthers in order. However, he faltered in the 5th, giving up an opening single, followed by a hit batter. A sacrifice bunt down the third base line advanced both runners, positioning the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on second with one out. Just one strike away from escaping the inning, an RBI single through the middle tied the score at 3. The runner at second attempted to score the go-ahead run, but Michael Torres made a strong throw to home plate, nailing the runner and maintaining the deadlock at three.
In the 6th inning, Miami made a bold statement that left Panther fans reeling as their hopes for victory were crushed with one powerful swing. The game’s critical moment arrived when the shortstop misplayed the ball, loading the bases for Daniel Cuvet. Tracen Cameron skillfully worked the count to 3-2 before delivering the pitch that would resonate through the 305, as Daniel launched it high, dramatically shifting the game’s momentum. The stunned Panthers were silenced in response, managing just one hit for the remainder of the match.
The game reached an intense peak when the defining shot shifted the entire momentum. After the grand slam, it was clear that the Panthers’ energy had been completely sapped. Alex Giroux showcased an outstanding performance over six innings before handing off to the bullpen, which allowed just one hit. These players share a long history, and their rivalry has matured into classic matchups over the years. The Battle of the 305 offers the ultimate bragging rights, and Miami now holds a one-game lead in the best-of-four series. They will clash again on April 2 at the Light, and the Canes must be ready for the Panthers, who are eager to even the score.
