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Miami leveled the series with a decisive 9-0 win over Duke, tallying 8 runs in the first three innings to highlight their resilience. After a challenging Friday night where they were shut out and managed only two hits, Miami responded strongly today with a significantly improved performance. Rob Evans pitched effectively for 6.2 innings, and Lyndon Guildwell closed the game, allowing just one hit.
Miami responded quickly to last night’s setback, with Jake leading off with a walk, followed by Daniel, who moved into the second spot and doubled down the left field line. A wild pitch allowed Jake to score, giving the team an early lead with three runs in the inning. Daniel advanced to third on the wild pitch. Derek Williams, returning to the lineup after being hit on the wrist in last night’s game and amid concerns about the severity of the injury, played confidently today. A sacrifice fly to center field scored Miami’s second run, ending the day early for Duke’s starter, who exited the game holding his elbow. The new pitcher issued a walk to West, who then stole second base. Alonzo Alvarez singled, bringing West home and shocking Duke fans with an early 3-0 lead.
Miami was just warming up in the first inning, then went all out in the second, scoring four more runs with only two hits. Duke’s pitching struggled, as they hit and walked a batter with the bases loaded, resulting in two runs. Still facing loaded bases, Alonzo Alvarez responded with a single to center field, adding two more runs to the tally.
Miami slowed down in the third inning and had to settle for one run on a Jake Ogden RBI single that brought home Michael Torres, who had opened the third with a single. All indicators pointed to a Mercy Rule ending, but just as quickly as Miami scored eight runs in the first three innings, they were only able to produce two more hits over the next five innings. When it seemed like the bats had finally cooled off for the day, Derek Williams sealed the victory in the ninth with his seventh home run of the year, avenging last night’s loss with a shutout of their own.
Unlike last night, all but Alex Sosa managed at least one hit. Alex, despite being hitless, drew two walks. Two batters with multiple hits: Alonzo Alvarez (2-5) and Michael Torres, who batted ninth today, went 2-4 with two stolen bases. Doubles were hit by Cuvet and West. Williams hit a home run.
Miami required only two pitchers to secure today’s shutout, preserving a full bullpen for tomorrow’s rubber-match game. No announcement has been made regarding Sunday’s starter. Due to the forecast of inclement weather, tomorrow’s game has been moved up to an 11 AM start.
