Baseball Defeats Iona 6-1
March 15, 2000
Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami baseball team (17-8), ranked 13th in the Baseball Weekly/ESPN Coaches’ Poll, picked up a mid-week win over Iona (6-3), 6-1, at Mark Light Stadium on the UM campus.
UM starter Troy Roberson (2-0) was credited with the win in a pre-game determined 4.0 innings piched, with four hits, one earned run and four strikeouts.
The Hurricanes jumped ahead of Iona, 3-1, in the fourth off three hits. Shortstop Kris Clute tied the score with the Gaels when he knocked in second baseman Javy Rodriguez from second with a RBI single to right center off Iona starter Steven Jimmenez (0-1). Javy Rodriguez had reached base with a walk and stole second. Miami took the lead soon after as left fielder Mike Rodriguez tripled in centerfielder Charlton Jimerson from second off reliever Steve Api. Jimerson had reached base on a fielder’s choice and stole second. UM scored its third run of the inning when first baseman Danny Matienzo singled in Mike Rodriguez from third off reliever John Novinsky.
In the fifth, Clute extended the Hurricane lead to 4-1 as he scored from third on a balk by Novinsky. Clute reached base with a walk, moved to second on a passed ball and then to third on catcher Mike DiRosa’s ground ball.
DiRosa brought the lead to 6-1 in the seventh with a solo home run, his second of the season, to left center off reliever John Barone.
Iona scored the first run of the game in the first inning when Iona third baseman Chris Lombardo grounded out to Javy Rodriguez, but not before right fielder Jose Zapata scored from third.
The Hurricanes return to action this weekend, Friday through Sunday, with a three-game series with the Michigan Wolverines (6-6) at Mark Light Stadium. Fox Sports Net will televise Friday night’s game. Additionally, WACC 830 AM will carry Friday night’s game in Spanish, while student station WVUM 90.5 FM will broadcast all three games over the weekend.
