April 9, 2000
Tallahassee, FL – Another one-run ball game in the Miami/Florida State series as Seminole right fielder Chris Smith nullified Miami’s ninth inning comeback with an RBI single in the bottom of the frame to pull out the 5-4 victory at Dick Howser Stadium. The win gives FSU a three-game sweep over Miami for the first time since the 1993 season.
Five of the last seven meetings with FSU have resulted in one-run decisions.
In the ninth, UM centerfielder Mike Rodriguez hit a two-RBI single to left center to score pinch runner Charlton Jimerson and shortstop Javy Rodriguez to tie the game at 4-4. Javy Rodriguez reached base earlier with a double off FSU reliever Chris Ginn. Ginn then gave up a single to UM catcher Mike DiRosa and allow Javy Rodriguez to advance to third on the play. Jimerson came in for DiRosa and immediately stole second just prior to Mike Rodriguez‘ game tying hit.
In the bottom of the inning, UM reliever Greg Howell (2-2) allowed a lead-off walk to FSU catcher Mike Futrell followed by Smith’s line hugging shot down the right field line.
Miami opened up scoring in the first inning with consecutive doubles by third baseman Kevin Howard and right fielder Manny Crespo. Crespo’s double, his team-leading 12th on the season, scored Howard from second. Howard’s double was his 11th on the season.
FSU tied the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the third when left fielder John-Ford Griffin hit a RBI single to right field allowing Futrell to score from third. Futrell reached base earlier with an infield single to second base and moved to third on right fielder Chris Smith’s single to right field.
Miami grabbed the lead back in the fourth when shortstop Javy Rodriguez stole home on a play where the FSU catcher tried to catch left fielder Marcus Nettles stole second. Rodriguez reached base earlier on a walk, stole second and moved to third on a passed ball.
FSU tied the game again, 2-2, in the bottom of the fifth on designated hitter John Halliday’s lofty home run over the right field screen.
The Seminoles regained the lead, 3-2, in the sixth when Halliday grounded into a double play with first baseman Ryan Barthlelemy scoring from third on the play. Barthelemy led off the inning with a walk, moved to second on Jernigan’s single to centerfield and then to third on shortstop Brett Groves infield bunt.
FSU extended the lead, 4-2, in the seventh on Smith’s solo home run off Bengochea over the screen at right center.
Miami and Florida State continue its 2000 series in Coral Gables, next weekend, April 14-16 at Mark Light Stadium. For tickets call 1-800 GO CANES or 305-284 CANES in Dade county. Friday and Saturday’s games will be televised by Fox Sports Net.