Baseball Defeats Cross-Town Rival FIU 4-3
Feb. 7, 2001
Miami, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — – The University of Miami baseball team (4-1), ranked as high as fourth nationally by Baseball America, defeated cross-town rival Florida International (3-2), 4-3, at FIU’s University Park Stadium in front of a sold out crowd of 1,532 fans.
After FIU narrowed a four-run UM lead with a three-run home run by designated hitter Daniel Bustamante in the sixth inning, the UM bullpen did its job and held the lead the rest of the way out. UM starter Kiki Bengochea (1-0) earned the win, while closer Luke DeBold earned his second consecutive save.
Miami put the first run on the scoreboard, 1-0, in the second inning when Haas Pratt knocked in Kevin Brown from third base with a single to right field. Brown led off the inning by reaching base on a throwing error from FIU third baseman Todd Sherbinsky and took second on the throw. Brown took third on Kevin Mannix‘ single to left field.
UM extended the score to 2-0 in the third inning when Marcus Nettles came home from third on a balk from FIU pitcher Luis Gazitua. Nettles led off the inning by reaching base on a throwing error from FIU shortstop Mickey Torello and took second on the throw. Nettles took third on a sacrifice bunt from Javy Rodriguez.
The Hurricanes jumped out to 4-0 in the fifth when Javy Rodriguez drove in Kris Clute and Nettles with a single to left field. Clute reached base on a fielder’s choice bunt, followed by an infield single from Nettles that also moved Clute to third on the play. Nettles then stole second to put both runners in scoring position. Javy Rodriguez then hit his single to left field knocking Clute in. FIU left fielder Barry Paulk misplayed the ball allowing Nettles to score on the error.
Bengochea lost his no-hitter after 5.1 innings of work when Bustamante sent a three-run home run deep to right field, also scoring Matt Huntingford and Mike Quintana. Huntingford reached base on a fielding error by Bengochea and took second on the throw. He later took third on a wild pitch. Quintana reached base on a walk prior to Bustamante’s at bat.
Miami and FIU will meet three more times during the 2001 season on three consecutive dates, February 21-23. The two teams will meet at Mark Light Stadium on February 21, while the February 22-23 games will be played at the Homestead Complex as part of the Homestead Challenge. The Hurricanes lead the all-time series with FIU, 79-17, since the 1973 season and hold the 14-10 advantage in one-run games.
Miami returns to Mark Light Stadium this weekend for two games against the Florida Gators on Friday and Saturday and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Sunday. Friday and Saturday’s games are scheduled for a 7 p.m. start with Sunday’s game at 1 p.m.
All three games will be televised by Fox Sports Net Florida, as well as on radio with the student voice of the Hurricanes, WVUM 90.5 FM, making the call. WACC 830 AM Radio Paz (Spanish) will carry the Friday and Saturday games, while UM’s flagship station Sports Radio 560 WQAM will carry Sunday’s game. All three games can also be heard over the internet on UM’s official athletic website, www.hurricanesports.com.
