Behind AJ Ciscar’s dominant mound presence and a flurry of home runs, the Miami Hurricanes salvaged their regular-season finale to build vital momentum heading into the ACC Tournament.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes already lost the series, but were looking to prevent a sweep from the No. 11 Florida State Seminoles in the regular-season finale. Given the struggles with infield defense and pitching, there was still an opportunity to gain some momentum ahead of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
In the lineup, freshman Dylan Dubovik would start at designated hitter after not playing Friday and junior catcher Alex Sosaa remained at first base for a fourth consecutive game. Sophomore righty AJ Ciscar was the first to take over the mound, looking to bounce back from a previous disappointing start on May 9 against the Louisville Cardinals.
After a scoreless first inning, redshirt senior catcher Nathan Cmeyla punched the scoreboard with a solo home run to center field. The Seminoles remained ahead until freshman third baseman Gabriel Milano hit a two-run homer to right field after Dubovik hit a single.
The Hurricanes responded and didn’t look back, especially when fifth-year senior right fielder Derek Williams and Sosa hit back-to-back home runs to take a three-run lead. They appeared to be in the driver’s seat until the Seminoles carved out two extra runs to make it a one-run game.
For a moment, it appeared to be a replay of what transpired in Thursday night’s game in the ninth inning. However, the Hurricanes prevented a repeat of recent history by adding three more runs to the scoreboard, capitalizing on the Seminoles’ defensive mistakes. They secured a 7-4 victory after sophomore replacement second baseman Noah Seffield hit a home run to left field and then the game came to a close.
Outside of an early home run, Ciscar appeared to be in complete control on the mound. In seven innings pitched, the 20-year-old only gave up six hits and one earned run, four strikeouts, throwing 80 total pitches. The Hurricanes’ bullpen, junior righty Nick Robet and senior righty Lyndon Glidewell, managed to finish the game more convincingly compared to Thursday’s game.
The team concluded the 2026 regular season with a 36-17 overall record, 16-14 in ACC play. Despite having one of the best offenses in the country, the overall pitching and defense held them back throughout the year.
The Hurricanes clinched an automatic first-round bye in the ACC Tournament. Given all the ups and downs, the team can officially turn the page on the regular season and prepare for greater competition.
The postseason will commence on Tuesday, May 19.
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