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Daniel Cuvet led the performance in a spectacular showcase with an impressive 4-5 outing, contributing to half of Miami’s runs as they triumphed over their season-long rival. He was joined by Jake Odgden, who went 3-5 and made an impact right from the start by hitting a home run on the very first pitch of the game. Just two pitches later, Max Galvin followed suit, sending a powerful shot over the right-center wall. The Panthers outperformed Miami in hits, 14 to 13, but the decisive factor was Miami’s three home runs, which accounted for 6 of their 10 runs, plus Bobby Marsh’s critical triple in the third inning that brought in another run. The Panthers rallied with three runs in the 7th and one in the 8th, narrowing the gap to just one run after formerly trailing by four. However, they faced Cuvet once more, who sealed the game with a powerful 377-foot drive to left center after taking the count to 1-1. Brian Walters capped off the evening with his 8th save of the season, ending the nail-biting thriller with a sharp 6-4-3 double play.
The Panthers, striving for the prestigious title of King of the 305, overlooked the significant contributions that Jake and Max could make to their strategy. While you were enjoying your first two-dollar hot dog alongside the Light’s four-dollar brew, two home runs soared out of the park in just three pitches. In the third inning, Tanner boosted the team’s score with a well-placed triple, bringing home Daniel, who had laid the foundation for the inning with a single to left.
Reese Lumpkin, our mid-week starter known for his inconsistency, faced his usual number of hits. Nevertheless, through three innings, he successfully kept the Panthers scoreless. In the 4th inning, however, the Panthers struck, scoring two runs and narrowing the gap to just one run against the Canes. They applied significant pressure, forcing Reese to throw twenty-three pitches, raising concerns about an early exit once again. Yet, he rose to the challenge, retiring the Panthers in order during the 5th and finishing his time on the mound in the 6th with his 100th pitch and a third strikeout for that inning.
The fourth inning marked the Panthers’ initial attempt to turn the game around, closing the gap to just one run. However, Miami responded decisively in the bottom half with a bases-loaded single from Daniel Cuvet, who brought in two runs, followed by Dorian, who advanced Daniel from second base. The Panthers found themselves in a deeper hole, trailing by four runs, and then five, as Dorian’s second RBI single allowed Max, who had been hit by a pitch, to cross home plate. The inning could have turned out even more favorable, but Daniel’s “impressive” base running—historically a weak point this season—ultimately led to him being picked off at second base.
With a commanding 5-run lead heading into the 7th inning, JD opted to utilize Alex Giroux instead of the set-up pitcher, Carson Fischer, who remained ready in the bullpen. The decision quickly proved pivotal as the Panthers commenced the inning with a home run. An error by Jake set off a sequence of events, allowing the Panthers to mount their second offensive surge for the lead. A crucial two-RBI double, combined with the initial home run, sent the Cane bullpen into action. The lead shrank to three runs, prompting JD to bring Carson in to resolve the inning, resulting in a strikeout that left the runner stranded at second base.
The Panthers mounted a thrilling late rally, creating tension among Cane fans as the prospect of a meltdown loomed. Not willing to take any chances, JD summoned Brian to secure the victory after Carson surrendered a two-out double. The typically unflappable Brian Walters faced momentary anxiety as back-to-back singles narrowed the deficit to just one run. With runners on second and third, he quelled the surge with a crucial strikeout. What started as a five-run advantage in the fifth inning had dwindled to a mere one-run lead by the eighth. The Panthers found themselves in a precarious position as they faced the heart of Cane’s batting order. The Panthers certainly did not want to challenge Daniel, batting fourth among them. Torres and Gaby, pinch-hitting for Max, walked, setting the stage again for Daniel Cuvet. He responded with a powerful 377-foot line drive home run to left field, significantly jeopardizing the Panthers’ hopes of a comeback. With a four-run cushion now, Brian showed no signs of mercy, sealing the win with a 6-4-3 double play.
Miami struggles with a four-pitcher rotation, with Reese Lumpkin as the weak link. This was a crucial mid-week win, for if the Panthers had managed to make a comeback and take the series 3-1, Miami’s chances of hosting a Regional would have almost certainly vanished. As impossible as it might seem, hosting is possible, but this game was a must for keeping those prospects alive. If we continue to be strong in the final two ACC series, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canes selected as a host city, as crazy as it seems.
This weekend, we travel to Virginia for the first of our two final ACC series. Although they may not be ranked in the top 25, we cannot underestimate the challenge they present. We’re just one game away from securing the #1 seed in the Tournament, which is vital since the top four teams receive a double bye. This enables us to maintain our regular weekend rotation leading up to Championship Sunday.
The first pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6:00 PM
