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“WHO LET THE DOGS OUT”? Miami hitters unleashed, bringing chaos to the Lehigh pitchers and scoring a season-high 27 runs on 22 hits. The fifth inning was a game-changer, setting a new program record by sending 19 batters to the plate and scoring 15 runs on 11 hits. The previous high was a 27-1 game against Pace in May 2003, before the Mercy Rule was in effect. One can only wonder what the final score might have been without the Mountain Hawks’ surrender. It was a record-setting weekend, with 57 runs scored over three games—the most in the first three games of a season. Half of Miami’s hits—seven doubles, two triples, two home runs—were for extra bases. After two outstanding days at the plate, Alex Sosa was the only starter without a hit. Derek Williams continued his impressive streak, going 3-for-4 with two doubles. Many players contributed to this dominant victory, and Sweep, with five recording multiple hits, and two remarkable defensive plays by Jake Ogden and Daniel Covet, both worthy of special recognition. This weekend’s achievements in runs and excitement set a high bar.
The lineup was adjusted with Cian Copeland replacing Brylan West at first base, batting sixth, and Alonzo Alvarez batting seventh, taking over behind the plate for today, while Alex Sosa served as the designated hitter.
Unlike yesterday, the Miami hitters didn’t begin warming up until the second inning, when they scored four runs—a sign of things to come. Derek Williams continued his strong showing from the previous day with a lead-off double, followed by Cian Copeland’s single, giving Miami its first run. This inning would see four runs in total, including an RBI single from Michael Torres that brought in two runs, and a sacrifice fly from Max Galvin to left field.
Lehigh managed to reduce Miami’s lead to half in the third inning with a two-RBI home run to left field. Unaware of what was to come, they found themselves facing a Category 4 hurricane that swept through starting in the fourth inning. Eight batters went through the rotation, beginning with Jake’s double, which was matched by Max’s double for Miami’s fifth run. Daniel’s drought without a home run was finally broken with a 426-foot no-doubter, bringing in two additional runs. Cian Copeland recorded the final run of the inning on a 5-3 groundout. The inning saw three doubles, one home run, and a hit batter, totaling four runs for Miami and an 8-2 lead. As they prepared for the fifth inning, history was on the verge of being made.
Trailing 8-2 entering the fifth inning, Tate, having thrown 74 pitches, remained effective after striking out all three batters in the fourth. With a runner on via a walk and on his 96th pitch, Tate delivered a double, allowing the runner to advance, which marked his final pitch and contributed to the final run for the Mountain Hawks. Brixton Lofgren’s appearance was brief, needing only three pitches to end the inning and conclude his work for the day.
The fifth inning probably felt like an eternity for Lehigh fans, who watched 19 players come to the plate and score 15 runs—setting a school record—on 11 hits. When the dust had finally settled, Miami had only one runner remaining on base. The team loaded the bases twice; Alex Sosa struck out on the first occasion, while Fabio cleared the bases with a triple during the second reload. The offense featured three doubles, including two consecutive ones by Copeland and Alvarez. In his second at-bat, Alvarez also hit a triple, driving in two RBIs and adding to his earlier RBI double. Lehigh would use 5 pitchers to stem the breakout, but unsuccessfully, against the out-of-control Miami hitting machine
In the second half of the 5th inning, a significant share of the scoring support came from the bench, underscoring the impressive strength of this year’s team. Before their day ended, four additional runs were scored in the 6th, further fueling Miami’s offensive surge, highlighted by Gabriel Milano’s three-run homer at 339 feet.
Unbeknownst to the fans, it was decided that the Mercy Rule would be enforced at the end of the 7th inning if there was a 10-run lead. Although the previous two games extended beyond the 7th inning, today was different. Due to a travel curfew, Michael Fernandez pitched the 6th inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced, while Packy Bradley-Cooney finished the game by striking out the final Lehigh batter, ending the shortened game. Both pitchers needed only 13 pitches each to accomplish their roles.
Today showcased a potent offensive performance as the team vented preseason frustrations by targeting the Lehigh pitching staff. After amassing 30 runs on 27 hits over the first two days, they surpassed that with a school record for most runs in the first three games, including a 15-run inning in the fifth. The team posted a .579 batting average and was 15-24 with RISP. Strikeouts were notably down to six. Six players had multiple hits: Ogden, Galvin, Williams, Dubovik, Copeland, and Alvarez, with Ogden, Williams, and Copeland each collecting three. They also recorded doubles from Ogden, Galvin, Williams (two), and Dubovik, along with triples from Alvarez and Peralta. Cuvet and Milano each homered, with Cuvet’s at 426 feet and Milano’s at 339 feet.
Tate DeRias, who faced a challenging preseason with the risk of losing his spot in the weekend rotation, responded strongly by recording 9 strikeouts over 4.2 innings pitched. His most impressive frame was the fourth, where he struck out all three batters he faced. The bullpen of Lofgren, Fennandez, and Bradley-Cooney performed well, keeping the opposing team scoreless.
The team faces a challenging week with six upcoming games and a doubleheader on Saturday. The pitching staff will be tested, and it’s crucial for the hitters to stay focused and continue delivering outstanding performances. The next game is Tuesday at 6PM under the lights against UCF, who are 3-0 after sweeping Siena over the weekend, scoring 43 runs to Siena’s one, with each game ending via the Mercy Rule.
