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Miami faced off in yet another top 25 showdown against the 21st-ranked team in the nation. The pitching was outstanding, with Griffin Hugus going the complete game and allowing only three hits—two of which came in the fifth inning, directly impacting tonight’s result. Miami’s offense was nonexistent, striking out an astonishing 14 times and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This marks the second time Miami has been shut out this season, with tonight’s final score at 2-0.
The Canes revamped their infield following a disappointing performance on Wednesday night. Daniel moved to first base, Jake to third, and Brandon DeGoti took the shortstop position. This new arrangement improved their defense significantly. However, JD must take decisive action to enhance the offensive lineup. This involves replacing DeGoti, who is struggling at a mere .100 batting average, with Ethan Puig at third, while Jake shifts to shortstop. DeGoti has yet to adapt his hitting from high school to the college level. In contrast, Ethan has demonstrated his ability to deliver impressive numbers if given the chance, similar to his preseason performance. This adjustment is about solidifying defense and significantly boosting the offensive power that the lineup critically needs. While no single player can be a game changer, this is a decisive step forward. Offensively, the current strategy isn’t showing results, and a change is essential.
For the first four innings, Hugus was masterful. After hitting the initial batter on a questionable call, it turned into a quick cycle from the batter’s box to the dugout. It was more of the same from the 6th to the 8th, with a lone single to lead off the 8th. The fifth inning marked a momentary breakthrough after what had been brilliance on the mound, and while he would continue after the fifth, it would be all the Tarheels needed to take the first game in the series.
The Tarheels established their presence in the game with a one-out single in the fifth inning. This was quickly followed by a walk, setting the stage with the first run scored on an RBI double. A sacrifice fly to center delivered the second run, solidifying the Heels’ victory in game one, which proved to be all they required.
The Canes had two opportunities during the game to make a difference but failed to capitalize on scoring chances. In the third inning, Miami got its first hit of the game with a two-out single by Jake Ogden, followed by a double from Fabio. Jake attempted to put Miami on the board as he tried to advance to home. However, the call at the plate, 9-4-2, resulted in an out and was upheld under review. This play would have given Miami a 1-0 lead with Fabio on second base. Instead, the final out was recorded with Cuvet in the batter’s box, who had singled to start the fourth inning. Thus, an opportunity was lost to be up 2-0. The second opportunity arose in the seventh inning, with one out and the bases loaded, after Marsh and Williams each hit singles and Galvin was hit by a pitch. Smith struck out, and following a lengthy battle at the plate, Dorian grounded out, 4-3.
A game of what if, but the bottom line is that the offense once again failed to produce. The six hits, which doubled the number of hits the Tarheels got, were overshadowed by 14 strikeouts that disrupted any chance for the Canes to make any type of move. All hits came from the top of the order, with Jake being the only player with multiple hits, going 2 for 4. Fabio was the only player with an extra-base hit. Just another game of the offense being non-competitive.
Tomorrow’s game with Brian Walters on the mound is crucial. Griffin delivered a pitching performance that exceeded expectations, but we need more than solid pitching. While the defense was strong tonight, the persistent issue remains clear: our hitting is lacking. With the first pitch scheduled for 2:00 PM, it’s essential that we finally hit the trifecta of hitting, pitching, and fielding to secure a win and even the series at one game each.
