Emerging stars catcher Alonzo Alvarez, outfielder Dylan Dubovik, and third baseman Gabriel Milano rose to the occasion this season, proving the Miami Hurricanes' future is secure with high-stakes performances and clutch hitting.
Miami, FL. – Despite falling short by one game of competing for an Atlantic Coast Conference title in baseball, the Miami Hurricanes saw glimpses of the future in the present time. Despite having several talented veteran players in the lineup, a few freshmen didn’t shy away from the big moments throughout the season.
It starts with California native and catcher Alonzo Alvarez, who emerged as a starter in mid-February. Playing behind junior Alex Sosa meant the 20-year-old would originally see limited opportunities at home plate. However, the offense became too valuable to let sit in the dugout.
Alvarez went 11 consecutive games early in the season with at least one hit. Following the Florida Gators series in late February, he saw consistent playing time, primarily as a designated hitter and catching mid-week. However, the moment arrived for Alvarez to carry more responsibilities.
Ahead of the North Carolina State Wolfpack series, Sosa was dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. Coach J.D. Arteaga decided to extend Alvarez’s opportunities behind home plate, catching for all three games. The plan remained the same heading into a series regular-season finale against the Louisville Cardinals, but unique circumstances changed its trajectory.
Brylan West suffered a swollen ankle injury, moving Sosa to first base, and making Alvarez the primary catcher. He developed into a consistent, reliable two-way player. Alvarez went on to make a memorable ACC Tournament debut against the Stanford Cardinal: four hits in five at-bats, three runs batted in, two home runs, three runs scored, and 12 total bases.
Dylan Dubovik made a first impression with the Hurricanes in late February after redshirt senior Max Galvin suffered a foot injury against the UCF Knights. The 19-year-old stepped up in the outfield, including an explosive performance against the Boston College Eagles on March 6: three hits in five at-bats, a home run, four runs batted in, a run scored, and six total bases.
However, the local Coral Springs native faced limited opportunities when Galvin returned in early April against the Virginia Tech Hokies. After the series, Dubovik went on to appear in nine games throughout the rest of the regular season, including seven starts primarily at designated hitter. He remained in the lineup throughout the ACC Tournament, coming up with impactful plays: five hits in 13 at-bats, a run batted in, and five runs scored.
Despite limited opportunities, the Hurricanes found a late-season bloomer in third baseman Gabriel Milano. There was virtually no chance of the Miami native playing ahead of junior Daniel Cuvet. However, an opportunity opened after the All-American was sidelined in late April because of a stress back fracture.
Milano started for the rest of the regular season. Despite having big shoes to fill, plus moments of struggles on both sides of the field, the 19-year-old showed glimpses of potential. Alongside Alvarez and Dubovik, Milano managed to show out in the ACC Tournament: five hits in 10 at-bats, two doubles, three runs batted in, seven total bases, and two runs scored.
Each freshman had an opportunity to learn from prolific veterans: Cuvet, Sosa, and fifth-year senior left fielder Derek Williams. The Hurricanes currently await the reveal of the NCAA Tournament bracket, projected as a two-seed, but the future of the program is promising.
- Can Miami Hurricanes baseball coach J.D. Arteaga end the program’s championship drought?
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
