Key offensive players falter as the Miami Hurricanes let opportunities slip, ultimately losing their undefeated streak to rival Florida Gators.
Coral Gables, Fla. - The 17-ranked Miami Hurricanes' baseball squad suffers its first loss of the season, falling 7–2 against the 10-ranked Florida Gators at Mark Light Field. They entered the three-game series averaging 15.5 runs over 10 games, but only recorded eight total hits on Friday night.
The Hurricanes had moments to control the game, but let multiple opportunities slip away. They rallied from a 2–0 deficit and tied the scoreboard after the sixth inning. However, the Gators would surge shortly after to secure the victory.
Key takeaways from the game:
- Gators; Setting the tone: Sophomore shortstop Brendan Lawson was off to a strong start this season and the momentum carried over on Friday night. He immediately started the game with a solo home run in his first at-bat of the game.
The Ontario native finished with a perfect performance: three hits in three at-bats, scoring three runs, and two runs batted in.
- Hurricanes; Sluggish performances: Despite playing key roles offensively to start the season, both junior catcher Alex Sosa and junior third baseman Daniel Cuvet were nonexistent against the Gators. They finished hitless in four at-bats, combining for five strikeouts. Cuvet appeared to be impatient in the batter's box. He swung at nearly every pitch thrown. The 20-year-old entered the series recording six home runs, which tied for the best in the nation.
Sosa expressed his excitement about playing a part in a historic rivalry, especially as a Hurricanes fan growing up. However, the 21-year-old surely would've preferred a better outing on both sides of the field.
- Gators; Breakthrough inning: After the game was tied 2–2, the Gators managed to regain control in the eighth inning. They scored five runs, one of which was considered unearned after the Hurricanes failed to secure an out.
Also, with the bases loaded, on a 3-2 count, sophomore relief pitcher Lazaro Collera threw a high curveball just outside the zone, giving up a free run.
The Hurricanes were able to carve out a late bounce-back victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls on Wednesday, but couldn't produce the same results against the Gators.
The next game of the series will be on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Hurricanes will have a quick opportunity to flip the narrative and give themselves a fighting chance. They remain at the very top of the ACC standings, but winning the next couple of games against a ranked opponent, let alone a rival, could go a long way for the rest of the season.
The Hurricanes' record falls to 10-1 on the season.
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