Baseball Host Rutgers In Three-Game Series
March 8, 2001
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — – The University of Miami baseball team (16-3), ranked as high as third nationally by Baseball America, look to extend its seven-game win streak alive as it hosts 2000 NCAA Regional Host Rutgers (7-2) in a three-game series, March 9-11, at Mark Light Stadium.
Game times are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. All three games will be broadcast over the radio on the student voice of the Hurricanes, WVUM 90.5 FM, as well as over the Internet at hurricanesports.com. Saturday’s game will also be on UM’s Spanish Broadcasting Network on WACC 830 AM Radio Paz.
Miami leads the all-time series with Rutgers, 30-5, since the 1967 season, including an 11-2 mark during the Jim Morris era (1994-present). Additionally, the Hurricanes hold a 78-14 record against schools currently in the BIG EAST Conference, including a 22-4 mark under Morris. UM plays baseball as a Division I Independent, but is a full-time member of the BIG EAST in all other varsity sports.
Miami is coming off a 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh this past Wednesday at Mark Light Stadium. In the game, redshirt freshman Jim Burt, in just his second start, went 2-for-2 at the plate, scored three runs, drew a walk and was hit by a pitch. Hormel Foods Classic MVP Javy Rodriguez put the game out of reach in the seventh inning with his two-out, two-strike, three-RBI triple that put the Hurricanes in the lead 4-1. Vince Vazquez, a former All-American who sat out the 2000 season and the first month of 2001 following Tommy John elbow surgery, earned the win in relief, pitching the seventh inning with three strikeouts. It was his first victory since defeating Jacksonville on May 8, 1999.
The Hurricanes No. 3 national ranking by Baseball America marks the highest ranking for UM since being ranked No. 1 in the final baseball polls in 1999 after claiming the National Championship at the College World Series in Omaha, NE.
On the mound for the Hurricanes Friday night will be junior left-hander Brian Walker (5-0, 2.83 ERA). Walker earned the win in UM’s 10-1 win over Minnesota on the second day of the Hormel Foods Classic at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome last weekend. His victory over the Golden Gophers was his 12th consecutive dating back to the 2000 season.
Following Walker, on Saturday, will be sophomore right-hander Kiki Bengochea (3-0, 1.35 ERA) and on Sunday, senior right-hander Tom Farmer (4-0, 3.34 ERA). Bengochea, who last defeated San Diego State, leads all starters with his 1.35 ERA and has a team-best 29 strikeouts. Two weeks ago, against FIU at the Homestead Challenge, Bengochea became the first player under Morris to record a complete-game shutout in Miami’s 2-0 victory over the Golden Panthers. Farmer tied his career season-best with his fourth victory over Arkansas.
Offensively, UM is led by Javy Rodriguez’ .435 batting average. He also has a team-best .623 slugging percentage, .500 on-base percentage, 30 hits, 23 RBI, 43 total bases and 17 stolen bases.
Call 1-800-GO-CANES for season and individual game ticket information. To join the excitement, log on to hurricanesports.com and become a member of Hurricane Watch, the on-line loyalty program that allows you to purchase tickets on-line, transfer tickets to friends via email and earn Hurricane rewards for each game you attend at the Light.
