|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Miami’s impressive run continues as they clinch their 5th ACC series and 10th consecutive ACC game. This team’s performance has not been this strong since 2016, when they achieved similar series victories. To find 10 consecutive ACC wins, you have to go back to 2011. Last month, their RPI was in the high 70s, but after tonight’s decisive 10-3 victory over 13th-ranked North Carolina State, their RPI has skyrocketed to 26. This team was struggling at the bottom of the ACC standings not long ago. Now, the discussion shifts to regionals, and Miami is positioning itself as a top contender in the ACC if it can maintain this remarkable momentum.
AJ Ciscar delivered an impressive performance against Boston last week and continued to shine against the Pack. He started the game by throwing two pitches and securing two outs immediately. Boston struggled to cope with his slider, and unfortunately for the Wolfpack, they faced a similar downfall. Ciscar pitched a commendable 6.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run in the third inning, while striking out six batters and surrendering only one walk. In contrast to Griffin’s performance the previous night, where he struggled with leadoff batters, AJ sidestepped that issue altogether. Whenever the Pack managed to get the leadoff runner on base in two innings, they promptly hit into double plays, clearing the bases. However, a recurring concern for him this season remains hitting batters. Tonight, he hit three, with the most notable incident occurring in the first inning when he struck Chris McHugh, their top hitter, on the wrist, causing him to miss the second inning. Overall, tonight’s performance warrants an impressive A grade.
Similar to last night, Miami quickly made its mark on the scoreboard. Once again, Daniel Cuvet set the tone with a two-out double, which was followed by Dorian driving in Daniel from second with an RBI single.
AJ started strong, cruising through the first two innings and maintaining momentum into the third. He recorded two quick outs and had a 1-2 count on the third batter when the game took an unexpected turn after a second hit by pitch. A single to right began a chain reaction that led to Miami’s first error and an ensuing score. Fabio mishandled the ball, allowing the runner at first to advance to third base. The throw from Fabio went to Daniel, who then attempted to catch the advancing runner at second after the throw to third. However, Daniel’s throw to Dorian was off target and got by him, letting the runner from third score and tying the game at one.
Miami’s top hitters wasted no time in mounting a strong response. Galvin led off with a single, followed by Cuvet’s impressive RBI double, and Dorian capped it off with an RBI single, putting Miami in the lead and leaving the Pack facing a two-run deficit. The situation worsened for the Pack as the Canes showcased their offensive prowess, extending the gap to seven runs after a five-run clinic in the next inning.
In the 4th inning, Miami showcased its offensive prowess, loading the bases three times and securing five runs. Fabio and Renzo kicked things off with leadoff singles, followed by a well-executed sacrifice bunt from Michael, who nearly beat the throw but effectively advanced the runners. This set the carousel in motion. Jake then walked, leading to the bases being fully loaded. An error by the first baseman, who had taken over for McHugh after he was injured in the first inning, allowed the first run to score. Daniel followed with a walk on five pitches, contributing to the second run. Dorian then made a significant impact by clearing the bases with a 2RBI double. Daniel, not particularly known for his baserunning skills, found himself caught trying to make it to third, resulting in the second out. However, Tanner ensured that Dorian wouldn’t be left stranded at second, driving in the final run of the inning with an RBI single, wrapping up Miami’s scoring efforts for the 5th inning, marking the end of the exciting carousel ride.
The 5th inning witnessed poor base running by Fabio and Michael, both getting picked off: Fabio at third and Michael at first. Miami’s base running continued to plague them in the 8th when they had the opportunity to end the game early with the 10-run rule. Jake and Max opened with singles. Daniel singled to right center, scoring Jake and advancing Max to third. Dorian walked to load the bases. Nolan Johnson, who pinch-hit for Tanner, singled, ricocheting off the pitcher and allowing Max to score. Daniel, in another display of brilliant base running, found himself caught in no-man’s land between third and home for the first out of the inning. Evan Taveras, who pinch-hit for Marsh in the 6th, hit into a 6-4-3 double play, leaving Miami one run short of the 10-run rule. Still at 10-1, a win was very much on the horizon with one inning left for the pack to make a miraculous statement.
JD called on Rob Evans in the 9th to seal the game. Despite a nine-run lead, the Pack created an intriguing finish, aided by some defensive lapses and a surge in their hitting. Back-to-back singles at the start of the inning energized the Pack, further fueled by a Dorian error that allowed a run to score. This was followed by another single, bringing in their second run with runners on first and second. This inning presented a rare opportunity for Evan to pitch, but a warm-up was underway in the bullpen just in case the game got more competitive. Fortunately, the situation turned favorable with a 1-6-3 double play, followed by a long fly out to the wall in right field, effectively quelling the Pack’s offensive surge. They can only hope this doesn’t inspire them for tomorrow, as we aim for a sweep.
The offense showcased an impressive performance, racking up 15 hits after a solid 10-hit day on Friday. Five players stood out with multiple hits: Jake Ogden went 2 for 4, Max Galvin hit 2 for 5, Daniel Cuvet finished 2 for 3 with two doubles and 3 RBIs, Fabio Peralta also went 2 for 4, and the day’s standout was Dorian Gonzalez, who excelled with 3 for 4, including a double and 4 RBIs. As a result, the team batted an impressive .441, successfully capitalizing on scoring opportunities with a 6 for 10 success rate in those situations.
Miami’s pitching delivered an impressive performance today, with notable contributions from our starter, AJ Ciscar, and the bullpen. Although Rob Evans faced some challenges, this is understandable given his inexperience. Strong pitching is crucial; without it, the quality of our hitting is irrelevant if we can’t prevent the opposing team from reaching base and scoring. Fortunately, today’s pitchers excelled in this regard. The Pack managed only three runs, with 2 occurring in the 9th inning when the outcome was already decided.
Assuming clear skies tomorrow at noon, we’re set for our third straight sweep. Tate DeRias will take the mound and look to deliver another stellar Class A performance.
