Power hitting from Vance Sheahan and Derek Williams propelled the Miami Hurricanes past Troy in a weather-delayed thriller, setting the stage for a high-stakes postseason clash with rival Florida.
Miami, FL. – Following a down-to-the-wire matchup against the Rider Broncos, the Florida Gators advance to the winner’s bracket following a solo home-run game winner by sophomore shortstop Brendan Lawson. It potentially aligned a rematch from the regular season against an in-state rival.
The road to Omaha–the College World Series–started for the Miami Hurricanes on Friday night in the Gainesville Regional. However, the first obstacle would be one of the five programs from the Sun Belt Conference to make the NCAA Tournament: the Troy Trojans. They have a lineup that isn’t flashy, but can be a threat against anybody.
Coach J.D. Arteaga wasn’t taking any risks to start Regionals, naming senior left-handed pitcher Rob Evans as the starter against Troy in Thursday’s media availability. However, the game didn’t start until roughly four hours after the original 6:00 p.m. time due to a weather delay.
It was a slow start for both offenses, as Hurricanes freshman catcher Alonzo Alvarez logged the first hit of the game at the bottom of the second, singling to left field. However, the opportunity to score was short-lived after freshman third baseman Gabriel Milano struck out, entering the third.
It was junior shortstop Vance Sheahan who ended the scoring drought, homering to left field, putting the Hurricanes on the scoreboard. It’s the 22-year-old’s third deep ball of the season, reaching 373 feet of distance with a 98 exit velocity. Sheahan missed eight games between late February and early March, but remained impactful since returning.
Fifth-year senior Derek Williams joined the party with a three-run homer deep to center field, giving the Hurricanes an early 4-0 lead. It moved him to 16 total on the season, reaching 389 feet of distance outside Condron Family Ballpark with a 98 exit velocity. Williams has been one of the best power hitters in the nation, translating early in the postseason.
In the midst of the Hurricanes’ power, the Trojans responded with a run scored by senior first baseman Blake Cavill, batted in by senior second baseman Sean Darnell. Evans managed to prevent any further damage, getting out of the jam, but there have been some uncharacteristic moments for the lefty ace.
The 22-year-old hadn’t been as dominant as he showed throughout the year, including the ACC Tournament. Evans gave up three hits, including a two-run double by Cavill to cut the Hurricanes’ lead to one run at the top of the fifth. It marked the end of the New York native’s night.
After a scoreless sixth inning, the Hurricanes caught a big break as the Trojans committed two errors, allowing Williams to score an extra run from first base. They appeared to have a steady lead until senior left fielder Drew Nelson smashed a two-run homer to tie the game. However, senior second baseman Jake Ogden regained the lead for the Hurricanes off a double from redshirt senior left fielder Max Galvin near the fences to right field.
The team erupted with four extra runs, including a two-run double from freshman Brandon DeGoti, to close the eighth inning, securing a 10-5 victory to advance to the winner’s bracket in the Gainesville Regional.
Evans' final stat line: five innings pitched, seven hits and three earned runs allowed, two walks, and four strikeouts in 97 total pitches. The win was credited to senior right-handed reliever Lyndon Glidewell.
Williams, Sheahan, and junior first baseman Alex Sosa combined for six hits in 11 at-bats, including two homers and four runs batted in.
The Hurricanes will officially face the Gators on Saturday night.
- Can Miami Hurricanes baseball coach J.D. Arteaga end the program’s championship drought?
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
