2001 Hurricanes Defeat Alumni 13-1

Jan. 20, 2001

Fifty-eight former Hurricanes spanning seven decades returned to Mark Light Stadium Saturday night to take part in the annual alumni game against the 2001 squad, which were ranked 4th in the Baseball America preseason poll.

The current Hurricanes were able to use efficient pitching and timely hits en route to the 13-1 victory over the former Hurricanes that included, Pat Burrell (1996-98), Jorge Fabregas (1989-91), David Gil (1997-00), Bobby Hill (1997-99), Aubrey Huff (1997-98), Charles Johnson (1990-92), Ryan Karp (1991) and Denis Pujals (1992-96). The 2001 squad also out-hit the alumni 15-1.

The alumni took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Chicago Cubs 2000 draft pick Bobby Hill scored from third on Anaheim Angels outfielder Orlando Palmeiro (1990) infield ground out. Hill drew a walk to start the game, stole second and advanced to third following an error on catcher Mike DiRosa.

In the bottom of the third, second baseman Kris Clute led off with a walk, took second on a wild pitch from Todd Ozias (1997-98), who pitches in the San Francisco Giants organization, and then stole third. Shortstop Javy Rodriguez followed up with a RBI single to right field to score Clute. Rodriguez stole second and moved to third on a ground out by third baseman Kevin Howard. Designated hitter Danny Matienzo then reached base on a hit by pitch and stole second to put runners on second and third. Centerfielder Mike Rodriguez tripled to right field to score both Javy Rodriguez and Matienzo. Right fielder Kevin Mannix ended the third inning scoring with a RBI single to left field to score Mike Rodriguez.

The 2001 squad broke the game open in the fourth with a six run inning keyed by extra base hits from Mike Rodriguez and first baseman Kevin Brown. After left fielder Marcus Nettles reached on a fielder’s choice, Javy Rodriguez moved him over to third on a single to right field. Howard then scored Nettles with a single to left field off Cincinnati Reds double A standout David Gil. Matienzo followed with another single to right field to score Javy Rodriguez. Mike Rodriguez then doubled to left field to score Howard and Matienzo. After Mannix walked, Brown doubled to centerfield to score Mike Rodriguez and Mannix.

Hurricane pitchers Tom Farmer, Alex Prendes, Brian Walker, Chris Sheffield, Kiki Bengochea and George Huguet combined to hold the alumni squad hitless through six innings. Former Hurricane Kirk Dulom (1986-89) broke up the no-hitter in the top of the seventh with a single off reliever Luke DeBold.

UM added three more runs in the bottom of the seventh to close out the scoring and the 13-1 victory.

The Hurricanes open up the 2001 regular season with Florida Atlantic on Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Stadium. For ticket information call 1-800 GO CANES. Keep up with UM baseball on Miami’s official athletics website www.hurricanesports.com.

2001 Alumni Game ParticipantsLarry Adams        1947-48Tommy Adams        1953-56German Alvarez     1997-98Chris Anderson     1988-92Stu Beal           1954Arnold Bennett     1955Dave Bisceglia     1978-80Mike Brennan       1956-59Steve Breslof      1973-75Pat Burrell        1996-98Danny Buxbaum      1994-95Frank Cannizaro    1996Frank Castro       1979-81Ryan Channell      1998-00Lazaro Collazo     1985Ed Contreras       1957-59Kirk Dulom         1986-89Gino DiMare        1989-92Dave Exter         1976-90 (Threw in batting pratice)Jorge Fabregas     1989-91David Gil          1997-00Laz Gutierrez      1996-98Chris Hart         1984-85Henry Hernandez    1987-89Wicho Hernandez    1991-94Bobby Hill         1997-99Greg Howell        1997-00Aubrey Huff        1997-98Charles Johnson    1990-92Ryan Karp          1991Jon Leake          1984-85Thom Lehman        1965-69Steve Lerner       1975-77Juan Llanes        1991-92Jason Michaels     1997-98Eric Morgan        1993Robbie Morrison    1996-98Joe Nelson         1984-87Rey Noriega        1988-89Randy Olen         1968-72Todd Ozias         1997-98Orlando Palmeiro   1990Denis Pujals       1992-96Jorge Robles       1987-88Daryl Roque        1998-99John Routh         1983-93 (The Miami Maniac and current Billy the Marlin)Fernando Ruiz      1991-94Kevin Ryan         1985-86Alex Santos        1997-99Ed Schoedinger     1947-48Julio Solis        1984-85Bruce Thompson     1992-95Mike Tosar         1988-91Henry Vilar        1990-91Mike Walczak       1968-72Mark Walker        1997-00Rob Word           1988