Hurricanes Face Savannah State Tigers This Weekend
April 5, 2001
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University of Miami Hurricanes (25-8)
#8 Baseball America, #10 Baseball Weekly/ESPN, #15 NCBWA, #16 Collegiate Baseball
vs.
Savannah State University Tigers (30-6)
Friday: WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
Saturday: WACC 830 AM, WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
Sunday: WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
April 6-8, 2001
Mark Light Stadium, Coral Gables, FL
MIAMI VS. SAVANNAH STATE —
The series with Savannah State will mark a first between the two schools. The Hurricanes are 150-34 against collegiate teams in first-time meetings (no service or international teams included). This season, UM has defeated Albany and San Diego State in first-time meetings.
GREG LOVELADY, VINCE VAZQUEZ NAMED 2001 TEAM CAPTAINS —
Senior catcher Greg Lovelady and junior relief pitcher Vince Vazquez were named Co-Captains in a team vote on Wednesday, April 4. Both Lovelady and Vazquez were star players during the Hurricanes march to the 1999 National Championship.
Lovelady took over the catching duties just over a month left in the `99 season after Russ Jacoboson sustained a wrist injury. He caught the remaining regular season games and all nine during the undefeated NCAA tournament run.
Vazquez was the primary set-up pitcher to All-American closer Michael Neu during the 1999 season. He impressed many during the NCAA Tournament, striking out nine in 7.0 innings pitched. His efforts landed him as a 2000 preseason All-American, but missed the season due to Tommy John elbow surgery.
UM SWEPT AT HOME BY CAL STATE FULLERTON —
Miami was defeated in all three games by Cal State Fullerton to drop the home series. The Titans series victory gives UM its second three-game series loss at home in 2001 season and just the second at Mark Light since falling to FSU in 1998, 23 series ago.
The sweep marked a first during the Mark Light Stadium era (since 1974). The previous closest an opponent has come to a sweep in a three-game series at the Light was 0-2-1, twice, in 1987 vs. Clemson and FSU in 1965. Ohio State defeated UM in three-games at the Light in 1964, but it was not a scheduled three-game series.
Game #3, Cal State Fullerton 9, Miami 2 — Tom Farmer allowed 15 hits, the most by a single pitcher since the 1973 season, in the loss. The Titans out-hit UM 19-7 and received a stand out performance by starting pitcher Kirk Sarloos, who went the complete game.
Game #2, Cal State Fullerton 8, Miami 5 — Kiki Bengochea allowed a career-high eight earned runs in the loss. UM made a late push on the Titans with bases loaded with one out in the ninth.
Game #1, Cal State Fullerton 8, Miami 2 — Brian Walker took his first loss of the season after allowing six earned runs in 4.0 innings of work. UM scored its two runs in the eight and ninth innings.
UM SWEEPS SERIES WITH NORTHEASTERN —
The Hurricanes swept the series with Northeastern and moved their all-time record against the Huskies to 9-0. The Sunday victory allowed Head Coach Jim Morris to earn his 1,000th career victory.
Game #3, Miami 5, Northeastern 3 — Tom Farmer pitched 7.0 innings with three unearned runs for the win. Luke DeBold and George Huguet combined to keep the Huskies scoreless the final 2.0 ininngs, with Huguet earning his third save of the weekend. UM rallied past Northeastern with two runs in the fifth to tie the score and the winning run in the sixth.
Game #2, Miami 5, Northeastern 2 — Kiki Bengochea pitched 7.2 innings allowing six hits, two runs (one earned), two walks with seven strikeouts for the win. The bullpen, Alex Prendes and George Huguet (save No. 5), retired the final four batters over 1.1 innings.
Game #1, Miami 5, Northeastern 3 — UM came through with two runs in the seventh inning to make the difference in the win. Danny Matienzo homered, while he and Jim Burt had multiple hits. Brian Walker earned the win.
UM DEFEATS CORNELL 2-1 IN 10 —
With bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, pinch-hitter Jim Burt hit a walk-off single to right field to score Javy Rodriguez from third for the game winning run. Right-hander Chris Sheffield had arguably one of the best outings by a UM starter this season, pitching a career-high 7.0 innings (108 pitches) with a team-season-best 11 strikeouts. He allowed a season-low by a starter two hits with just one earned run, with three walks. Reliever Andrew Cohn earned his first collegiate victory, retiring the final Cornell batter in the top half of the 10th.
MIAMI WINS SERIES WITH EAST CAROLINA —
Miami took its series with #20 East Carolina two games to one with wins on Friday (14-13) and Sunday (8-4). UM fell to the Pirates, 7-2, on Saturday. Miami now leads the all-time series with ECU 3-2. Prior to 2001, ECU won, 6-5, in Coral Gables during the 1999 season. UM defeated ECU, 6-4, during NCAA Regional play in Tallahassee in 1984.
Game #3, Miami 8, East Carolina 4 (8 inn.) — With a 45-minute rain delay at the start and a one-hour delay in the third, the Hurricanes pulled out the win in an eight inning curfew-shortened game. Tom Farmer scored the victory as UM rolled out to a 6-1 lead going into the seventh. ECU came back with three off Farmer in the seventh and Andrew Cohn finished off the final 1.1 innings for his first save. Kevin Howard went 4-4, while Mike DiRosa went 3-4.
Game #2, East Carolina 7, Miami 2 — ECU jumped ahead 3-2 in the seventh inning, followed by a four-run ninth for the victory. UM began the game strong with two runs in the first. Two of ECU’s first three runs were solo home runs off Kiki Bengochea.
Game #1, Miami 14, East Carolina 13 — Miami went ahead 12-2 by the seventh inning with a solid pitching performance by Brian Walker, steady hitting and timely defense. Five relievers allowed ECU to pull within 14-13 in the top of the ninth before Luke DeBold was able to retire the final out.
MIAMI SWEEPS SOUTH FLORIDA IN TAMPA —
The Hurricanes took both games with South Florida in Tampa to extend its streak to seven straight over the Bulls. UM has not lost to USF since the final meeting of the 1998 season. The two wins push the all-time series to 73-25 in favor of UM, including a 15-3 mark during the Jim Morris era.
Game #2, Miami 13, South Florida 9 — Miami came out on top of a slugfest with USF, as both teams had 15 hits apiece. Dan Smith earned his first career win with a career-high 4.0 innings of relief. Kevin Howard went 4-5 from the plate with a home run and a double. Four other UM batters had multiple hits. The game was tied, 7-7, after two innings of play.
Game #1, Miami 8, South Florida 2 — Chris Sheffield earned the win for UM as he went a career-high 6.0 innings with just two earned runs allowed. Four UM batters accounted for the eight hits. UM turned a 2-1 deficit into the 8-2 win with seven runs over the final four innings.
MIAMI LOSES HOME SERIES TO RUTGERS —
The Hurricanes dropped two of three games to Rutgers to end a streak of 19 straight three-game series won at Mark Light Stadium. The last loss by UM in a three-game series at the Light was during the 1998 season to Florida State.
Miami now leads the series with Rutgers, 31-7, since the 1967 season, including a 12-4 mark during the Jim Morris era (1994-present).
Game #3, Rutgers 9, Miami 6 — The Hurricanes allowed a season-high six errors which led to seven unearned runs in the nine total runs Rutgers recorded. RU totaled its runs in a five-run third, a three-run fifth and one in the eighth. All five in the third were unearned. Kevin Brown’s home run marked the 38th of his career, tying him with Charles Johnson for 6th place.
Game #2, Miami 13, Rutgers 2 — An All-around effort led UM to the big 13-2 vitctory over Rutgers. The offense pounded out 13 runs, 12 hits and 10 RBI with nine stolen bases. The defense made zero errors and one double play, while allowing no stolen bases. The pitching allowed just two runs in the third inning and holding Rutgers to seven hits.
Game #1, Rutgers 6, Miami 4 (10 innings) — Despite scoring two runs in the bottom of the 10th, UM was unable to get past Rutgers’ four-run top of the inning. A pitching battle throughout gave way to Rutgers scoring four runs on three hits off Vince Vazquez. The Hurricanes scored two runs on two hits with two left on in the bottom of the 10th.
MIAMI IN EXTRA INNING HOME GAMES —
With its 6-4 loss to Rutgers in Game No. 1’s 10 innings, Miami ends a string of two straight extra-inning home game victories. In their last 19 extra-inning home games, UM is 17-2-1. The last home loss in extra innings was 7-6 (12 innings) vs. Cal-State Fullertong on May 18, 1996.
HURRICANES WIN SEVENTH STRAIGHT WITH 6-2 VICTORY OVER PITTSBURGH —
Javy Rodriguez’ three-RBI triple in the seventh and a multiple-hit night by Jim Burt and Marcus Nettles was all the offense UM needed for its seventh straight victory, 6-2, in a mid-week game against Pittsburgh. Chris Sheffield through a no-hitter over the first 4.0 innings, while the bullpen finished the final five with just three hits and one earned run. The three hits tied a season-low allowed by the UM pitching staff.
HALL OF FAMER TONY OLIVA VISITS HURRICANES AT METRODOME —
Hall of Famer Tony Oliva, who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1962-76, visited the Hurricanes in their dugout just prior to the game vs. Minnesota. A native Cuban, Oliva was able to meet several of the Hurricanes with Hispanic heritage: pitching coach Lazaro Collazo, Javy Rodriguez, Alex Prendes, Kiki Bengochea, George Huguet, Danny Matienzo, Vince Vazquez and Mike Rodriguez.
Oliva was the only player in major league history to win batting titles in his first two full seasons (1964-65). He was one of the most graceful, natural hitters of all time, but had his career cut short by a bad knee. He was an All-Star selection from 1964-71 and was the Gold Glove award winner in 1966.
HURRICANES WIN HORMEL FOODS CLASSIC TITLE WITH SWEEP —
Miami claimed the 2001 Hormel Foods Baseball Classic with a three-game sweep of San Diego State, Minnesota and Arkansas at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Javy Rodriguez was named the tournament’s MVP as well as All-Tournament shortstop, while Brian Walker (SP), Kevin Howard (3B), Kevin Mannix (OF) and Mike Rodriguez (OF) were also named All-Tournament selections.
The sweep gave Miami its second University of Minnesota tournament championship in its three all-time appearances (1986, 1990, 2001). The Hurricanes also had a three-game sweep for the title during the 1990 season at the Pillsbury Baseball Classic. The 1986 advanced to the championship game of the Wheatis Tournament of Champions, but fell to Michigan. Javy Rodriguez joins Oscar Munoz (1990) as UM’s Tournament MVP’s.
Game #3 Miami 8, Arkansas 2 — UM moved to 4-0 all-time vs. Arkansas and 158-114-1 vs. the SEC with its 8-2 win. For the third straight game UM used a solid all-around effort for the victory, including zero errors and a season-high three double plays turned. Tom Farmer (4-0) earned the win with 7.0 innings pitched with both runs coming off misplayed fly balls in right field. Mike Rodriguez went 3-4 in the game, while Mike DiRosa homered for the second time during the tournament.
Game #2 Miami 10, Minnesota 1 — UM moved to 11-3 all-time vs. Minnesota and 94-40-5 vs. the Big Ten with its 10-1 win. UM is also 20-4-1 vs. the Big Ten under Coach Morris. Brian Walker (5-0) led UM to victory with his 12th consecutive decision dating back to 2000 and allowed a team-season-best three hits in 7.0 innings pitched. Javy Rodriguez went 4-4 in the game with three RBI. Walker’s lone run came on a sacrifice fly with bases loaded and no outs.
Game #1 Miami 8, San Diego State 6 — UM won the first-ever meeting with San Diego State and moved to 4-0 all-time vs. teams currently in the Mountain West Conference with its 8-6 win. After falling behind 2-0 in the first, Miami came back with three in the third to take the lead for good. Kiki Bengochea (3-0) went 7.0 innings for the win with a team-season-best eight strikeouts. Mike DiRosa and Kevin Brown each homered.
VAZQUEZ MAKES RETURN IN 14-0 SHUTOUT OF ALBANY–
Redshirt sophomore Vince Vazquez made his long-awaited return to the mound against Albany pitching the seventh inning. Vazquez, a preseason All-American entering the 2000 campaign, missed all of 2000 recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery. In his one inning against Albany, Vazquez retired all three batters faced, two by strikeout.
Tom Farmer pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four hits, no runs or walks with six strikeouts. In the game, Miami recorded three triples in the bottom of the seventh to set a new school-record. The previous mark was two, set by one player Manny Crespo, against Illinois on March 6, 1998. Matt Dryer, Kevin Mannix and Kevin Howard each recorded their first triples the 2001 season for the new mark.
MIAMI TAKES THREE-GAME SERIES AND SEASON SERIES WITH FIU —
UM took two of three games for the series victory over FIU. Additionally, Miami won three of four games played with FIU in 2001. The most recent three-game series victory over FIU marks the Hurricanes third consecutive three-game series victory on the season. In addition, Miami has taken the series in nine of the last 10 opportunities, with the last three-game series loss at Florida State in the Super Regionals.
Miami now leads the overall series with FIU, 81-18, dating back 1973. The Miami/FIU series is the third-longest on-going rivalry on the UM schedule behind Florida (1940) and Florida State (1951). UM has won 12 of the past 16 meetings with FIU, including five of the last six. Head Coach Jim Morris is 20-8 vs. FIU since coming to UM in 1994.
Miami also defeated FIU, 2-0 and 10-2, at the Homestead Challenge. Prior to the Homestead games, FIU defeated Miami, 17-10, at Mark Light Stadium on February 21. The season series began with a 4-3 UM victory at a sold-out University Park on February 7.
Game #4 (Homestead), Miami 2, FIU 0 — Kiki Bengochea threw the first complete-game shutout in the Jim Morris era along with four hits, one walk and eight strikeouts. Javy Rodriguez led off the scoring by stealing home in the first inning, followed by Charlton Jimerson’s second home run in as many days in the eighth. Bengochea’s complete-game was just the fifth at Miami during the Morris tenure. The last player to record a complete-game was David Gil, twice during the 2000 season (Jacksonville and FAU). UM’s shutout was also the first on the season and first since defeating N.C. State, 12-0, in 2000.
Game #3 (Homestead), Miami 10, FIU 2 — Charlton Jimerson led off the game with a solo home run and UM never looked back. Ten UM batters had hits, while six had multiple hits. Along with Jimerson, Danny Matienzo and Mike Rodriguez each homered. Brian Walker went a career-high 8.0 innings pitched in the game with seven hits, two earned runs, three walks and six strikeouts. Head Coach Jim Morris won his 350th at Miami in the game.
Game #2 (Coral Gables), FIU 17, Miami 10 — The 17-10 victory over Miami marked the most runs scored and largest margin of victory in the all-time series for FIU. Six lead changes and a see-saw battle between UM No. 4 starter Chris Sheffield and FIU ace William Collazo paved the way for the highest combined score (27) between the two schools. Collazo, who entered the game with a 4-0 mark and a 0.67 ERA, left following 3.0 innings pitched and six earned runs (seven overall). FIU’s Tommy Duenas gave his team the lead for good with a three-run home run in the fourth to put FIU up 9-6. Mike Rodriguez went 4-5 with a home run, a double and three RBI. The eight relief pitchers used by UM tied the school record set twice during the Ron Fraser era.
Game #1 (Miami, 2/7), Miami 4, FIU 3 — UM moved to 14-10 against FIU in one-run games with a 4-3 win in front of a sell-out crowd at University Park. Kiki Bengochea, who pitched 5.1 innings, went five no-hit innings before a three-run homer moved FIU within one run. From that point, the bullpen took the final 3.2 innings with three hits, no walks and seven strikeouts.
MIAMI AT THE HOMESTEAD CHALLENGE —
The 2001 season marked the Hurricanes fourth consecutive year participating in the Homestead Challenge. Miami has forged a 7-1 record since the 1998 season and have currently placed two players, Kevin Howard (2000) and Daryl Roque (1999), on All-Tournament teams. Most notable is that five of the top six paid attendance games, including the all-time high, are Miami games. The Miami/FIU game in 2000 drew a Homestead Challenge-best 3,861, while UM’s most recent two games with FIU drew the No. 2 (2,782) and No. 3 (2,317) attendance marks, respectively.
