A collapse on the mound and defensive blunders erased an early momentum against Florida, forcing the Miami Hurricanes into a high-stakes rematch with Troy to keep Omaha hopes alive.
Miami, FL. – Following a late-night/early-morning victory against the Troy Trojans, the Miami Hurricanes returned to action at Condron Family Ballpark on Saturday, this time in the Gainesville Regional winner’s bracket, facing the Florida Gators. It marks the 267th meeting between both programs, dating back to 1950. The Gators swept the Hurricanes in a two-game series at Coral Gables during this past regular season–the third game was cancelled because of rainy conditions.
An opportunity for coach J.D. Arteaga and the team to achieve a get-back presented itself, but in a hostile environment. Both the Gators and Hurricanes rolled with right-handed pitchers to start the game: sophomores Aidan King (Florida) and AJ Ciscar (Miami).
After a 30-minute delay from the 8:00 p.m. starting time, the game was finally in action–senior second baseman and leadoff hitter Jake Ogden punched the scoreboard with a solo home run deep to center field. The baseball traveled 399 feet with a 100 exit velocity, giving the Hurricanes an early lead.
The Gators immediately responded with six runs off five hits, including a three-run homer by redshirt junior second baseman Cade Kurland. Ciscar was pulled off the mound early, only facing nine batters and throwing 26 total pitches. It marked the shortest time the local Weston native had been on the mound this season, 0.2 innings. Ciscar was shown in the dugout in complete frustration, comforted by senior left-handed pitcher Rob Evans.
When hope appeared to be lost, the Hurricanes battled by adding three runs driven by junior first baseman Alex Sosa and freshman catcher Alonzo Alvarez, all on two-out counts. However, senior catcher Karson Bowen immediately responded with a solo home run. The Hurricanes kept fighting with a couple of more runs scored, including by sophomore center fielder Fabio Peralta off a wild pitch.
The Gators scored an extra run off an error, but the Hurricanes evened the scoreboard with a couple of runs squeezed from having the bases loaded. What seemed like a chance to restore order soon became a complete recipe for disaster. The Hurricanes walked four batters, allowing two easy runs with the bases loaded, then redshirt sophomore center fielder Kyle Jones delivered with a three-run double to blow the game away.
It could’ve all been prevented if freshman third baseman Gabriel Milano had successfully gotten the tag on Gators redshirt sophomore designated hitter Caden McDonald to end the inning. What appeared to be a great effort towards a comeback wound up as a heartbreaking blowout–suffering a 22-10 loss.
In the sixth inning, three of the Gators’ seven runs were unearned, and only one hit came from it. The Hurricanes had four total errors, split between Milano and junior shortstop Vance Sheahan. Meanwhile, the pitching staff walked nine total batters, plus three hit by pitches. From there, the game was completely out of reach.
The Hurricanes will face the Troy Trojans again, this time in a win-or-go-home situation on Sunday.
- 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.
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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
