|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Miami bats decisively asserted their dominance tonight, overwhelming the Villanova Wildcats with an impressive display of offensive strength. Starting pitcher JD Podgorski appeared unprepared for the formidable trio of Galvin, Ogden, and Gonzalez in the first inning, which led to a desperate decision to use three pitchers in an attempt to contain the relentless Canes and prevent them from scoring. With two home runs and a double, the Canes surged ahead, culminating in Dorian Gonzalez stepping up to the plate in the 8th inning to seal the victory with his second home run, marking the Canes’ impressive third consecutive mid-week win.
Reese Lumpkin dominated the first inning, needing just seven pitches to retire the side. In stark contrast, Wildcat starter JD Podgorski was unceremoniously knocked off the mound after only 16 pitches, receiving an unwelcome introduction to the Sunshine State. During this brief stint, Daniel capitalized on an error by the shortstop, setting the stage for the offensive explosion that was about to unfold. Max Galvin wasted no time, crushing a 1-0 pitch deep into right field, a massive 408-foot blast that put Miami on a rapid path to victory. Jake Ogden followed suit with a double to right, advancing Dorian to the plate. Following in Max’s footsteps, Dorian delivered a powerful 377-foot shot, also to right, extending Miami’s lead to an early 4-0. The relentless Miami offense continued to roll, sending 11 batters to the plate and dispatching two pitchers before finally being retired.
The Wildcats struck back in the third inning, scoring a run thanks to an unusual lead-off hit that bounced off the first base bag. Demonstrating awareness of the scouting reports on catcher Evan Taveras—who was replacing Tanner Smith for the night—he promptly stole second base. When the throw went wide into center field, he advanced to third. This strategic play set up their first run with a ground out to first base, 6-3. Subsequently, while another opportunity arose, a ball again hit the bag, this time at second base, allowing their second baserunner of the inning to get on base. Flustered by the odd occurrences in just one inning, Reese took decisive action and successfully picked off the runner at first base.
With the Wildcats coming up with a run in the third, the Canes answered with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning, taking it to the yard for the third time tonight. Bobby Marsh delivered, revisiting the right field venue for the third time with a 355-foot shot of his own. Derek Williams followed with his first of two doubles tonight, setting the stage two batters later for Brandon DeGoti, getting his first RBI double as a Cane.
Miami picked up an additional run in the 4th on a SF to right by Jake Ogden, bringing home Daniel, who opened the inning with a single.
Reese’s performance sharply declined in the 5th inning after 73 pitches. Following a hit by pitch, two singles, and a second balk of the evening, it was evident: it was time to call in the bullpen to clinch the game. Rob Evans and Tate DeRias were summoned to finish the job. Rob delivered two hitless innings, striking out three batters, while Tate dominated, striking out the three Wildcats who challenged him at the plate.
The Canes were leading 7-2 into the 7th inning, and it was time to put the pedal to the metal for one final sprint. A one-out double, climaxing with the longest shot of the evening, traveled 424 feet off the bat of Derek Williams to left center, adding two more runs to their tally. In the 8th, which would be the final inning, Fabio opened with a single to left, followed by Renzo Gonzalez, who came in as a pinch hitter for Jake Ogden and delivered a crucial two-out single, placing runners on 1st and 2nd. This set the stage for the Grand Finale in walk-off fashion. For the second time this evening, Dorian Gonzalez delivered the knockout punch, sending the ball 377 feet to right field once again. With Fabio and Renzo crossing home plate, the game was officially called due to the Mercy Rule, which both teams had agreed upon before the game. This rule clearly states that if there is a 10-run separation after 7 innings, the game concludes at that point.
The team dominated the field with twelve runs scored on fifteen hits, showcasing their offensive prowess with five doubles and five home runs. It was a remarkable night when the bats finally unleashed their full potential. Every player in the starting lineup contributed at least one hit, except for Evan Taveras, who, despite going hitless, managed to reach base with a walk in the first inning. Extra-base hits were plentiful, highlighted by Max Galvin’s home run, Jake Ogden’s double, Bobby Marsh’s double and home run, Brandon DeGoti’s double, Derek Williams’s impressive two doubles and a home run, and Dorian Gonzalez’s two home runs. Four players delivered multi-hit performances: Fabio Peralta, Bobby Marsh, Dorian Gonzalez, and Derek Williams. Notably, Bobby Marsh came just a triple shy of completing the cycle. Dorian, Bobby, and Derek, batting 5-7 in the lineup, showcased an impressive performance with eight hits out of 13 at-bats, including three doubles and four home runs between them..
Miami has a crucial final series against Connecticut before the ACC Conference play kicks off. This is the definitive chance to fine-tune both the offense and the pitching as they prepare to face Wake Forest, a top 25 team in the nation, next weekend. The bats, starting pitching, and the bullpen have performed well, evidenced by their impressive 11-3 record. It’s time to take this show on the road. But before getting ahead of ourselves, Connecticut will be in town for a three-game series starting on Friday, with the first pitch set for 7:00PM.
