No. 8 Miami Travels To Florida State
April 18, 2001
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University of Miami Hurricanes (30-10)
#6 Baseball America, #8 Baseball Weekly/ESPN, #7 NCBWA, #9 Collegiate Baseball
vs.
Florida State University Seminoles
#7 Baseball America, #3 Baseball Weekly/ESPN, #2 NCBWA, #4 Collegiate Baseball
Friday: Sunshine Network, WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
Saturday: Sunshine Network, WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
Sunday: WVUM 90.5 FM, www.hurricanesports.com
April 20-22, 2001
Dick Howser Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
MIAMI VS. FLORIDA STATE — The three games with Florida State in Tallahassee will mark game No. 220-222 between UM and FSU since the 1951 season. FSU holds the lead over Miami, 115-101-3, including a 64-42-1 mark in Tallahassee.
The Miami/FSU series is the second-oldest on-going rivalry on the Hurricanes schedule behind the Florida series (1940), but UM and FSU have played the most games (219).
UM head coach Jim Morris was the first assistant hired by FSU head coach Mike Martin in 1980. Morris served on the FSU staff for the 1980-81 seasons, with current FSU pitching coach Jamey Shoupe as a Seminoles pitcher. FSU assistant coach Chip Baker also served on Morris’ Georgia Tech staff. UM pitching coach Lazaro Collazo served one season, 1992, on the FSU staff. Both UM coaches Gino DiMare (Miami) and Mark Kingston (North Carolina) played collegiately against various FSU teams as undergraduates.
The Hurricanes enter the 2001 FSU Tallahassee series having already won the FSU Coral Gables series, two games to one. Miami has won the FSU Coral Gables the last three seasons.
UM has lost its last two three-game series in Tallahassee, both last season during the regular season and in the Super Regionals. Prior to those two series defeats, the Hurricanes had won three consecutive three-game series at Dick Howser Stadium.
Miami/FSU Series Notes —
Miami is 29-21 overall vs. FSU during the Jim Morris era, including a 12-12 mark at Dick Howser Stadium. Additionally, UM is 15-9 vs. the Seminoles at Mark Light Stadium, as well as 2-0 vs. FSU at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE. Miami is 26-21-2 vs. FSU in three-game series, including a 12- 12-1 mark at Dick Howser Stadium. Additionally, UM is 14-9-1 in three-game series at Mark Light Stadium. There have been 10 sweeps during this span with UM holding a 6-4 edge. In the 16 three-game series between UM and FSU played during the Jim Morris era, the Hurricanes lead 9-7. There have been only three three-game series sweeps during the Jim Morris era, UM leads 2-1. A series sweep by either team has not happened since 1970 and never happened in a four or six-game series.
MIAMI WINS FINAL TWO GAMES TO TAKE CORAL GABLES SERIES —he Hurricanes won the final two games against FSU in Coral Gables to clinch the first of two three-game series with the Seminoles in 2001. After opening up the series with a narrow 10-9 loss to FSU, Miami rebounded with a one-run win of its own, 5-4, on Saturday and a 7-1 victory on Sunday. UM has now won three consecutive series against FSU in Coral Gables.
Miami out-hit the Seminoles two of the three games in the series, 16-11 in game No. 1 and 11-5 in game No. 3, and were tied, 7-7, in game No 2. UM bat .330 in the series to FSU’s .232.
The UM bullpen had a 1.32 ERA, allowing a total of seven hits, three runs (two earned), five walks and 15 strikeouts in the three games at Mark Light Stadium.
Game #3, Miami 7, Florida State 1 (Coral Gables) — Tom Farmer earned the win on the mound pitching 5.0 innings with three singles. The bullpen of Andrew Cohn, Chris Sheffield, Alex Prendes and George Huguet combined to allow just two more singles over the final 4.0 innings. Javy Rodriguez went 3-for-5 in the game, while Kevin Howard was a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles and two walks. Mike DiRosa hit a three-run home run with the score 3-1 in the sixth inning to put the game out of reach. The six-run margin of victory was the largest for the Hurricanes since a 7-1 UM win in 1998, 22-game span.
FSU’s Marc LaMacchia scored his first loss of the season after going 3.2 innings, his second-lowest start of the season.
Game #2, Miami 5, Florida State 4 (Coral Gables) — The Hurricanes scored five runs over the first 2.0 innings and held on for a 5-4 win. After Brian Walker following 5.1 innings, the bullpen of Luke DeBold, Alex Prendes and George Huguet combined to hold the Seminoles to one hit, three walks and six strikeouts over the final 2.2 innings. DeBold recorded a career-high five strikeouts,while Huguet tallied his team-high eighth save. Danny Matienzo had his team-high sixth home run, a two-run shot in the first to start things off. FSU recorded two errors to allow Kevin Howard to score in the third, followed by a Charlton Jimerson two-RBI double later in the inning.
The one-run win for Miami was the 62nd all-time between the two schools in 218 total games. Additionally, UM and FSU have played 10 one-run games over the last 19. The win was also UM’s 100th against the Seminoles.
FSU’s Matt Lynch took his second loss of the season, allowing a season-high five walks. The two earned runs he recorded were his first in at least 20.0 innings pitched, over three games, entering the contest. The loss was his first since his season-debut at Stanford.
Game #1, Florida State 10, Miami 9 (Coral Gables) — FSU raced out to a 7-2 lead, before UM stormed back with seven unanswered runs to take the 9-7 lead going into the sixth inning. FSU’s Mike Futrell hit a first-pitch two-run home run off T.J. Prunty to immediately tie the game, 9-9, in the sixth. Later in the inning, FSU’s Karl Jernigan hit a double, took third on a Prunty wild pitch and came around to score the eventual game-winning run on a throwing error by Greg Lovelady. >P>Both starting pitchers, Kiki Bengochea and Blair Varnes, had their lowest amount of innings pitched on the 2001 season. Varnes allowed season-highs in hits, runs, earned runs and walks with a low in strikeouts.
Offensively, UM out-hit FSU 16-11 while five UM batters had multiple-hits. Kevin Brown and Kris Clute each had three hits, while Brown also had three RBI. It was the first loss of the season for UM when it out-hit an opponent.
Brown’s home run in the second inning was the 39th of his career and moved him into a tie with Manny Crespo and Randy Guerra for fourth place all-time.
AN ATTENDANCE HIGH — The 13,443 fans that attended the 2001 UM/FSU Coral Gables series were the most for a three-game series at Mark Light Stadium since 13,980 attended the UM/FSU series in 1995. The 5,643 in attendance on Saturday was the largest crowd at Mark Light Stadium since 6,136 watched UM defeat South Carolina, 14-2, in the NCAA Regionals on May 23, 1998. The crowd was the largest vs. FSU since 6,290 came out to see the Hurricanes defeat the Seminoles, 5-4, on April 25, 1992.
BULLPEN HAS SOLID SERIES VS. FSU — The UM bullpen pitched more innings, 13.2, than the starting pitching (13.1) against FSU. The bullpen’s ERA for the series was 1.32 to the starters’ 7.43 ERA. After the relief allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in 6.0 innings during Friday’s loss, it allowed just three hits and no runs in a combined 7.2 innings during Saturday and Sunday’s wins. Additionally, the bullpen recorded 15 strikeouts to the starters’ 10.
JIM MORRIS’ HURRICANES AGAINST THE ACC — Since Jim Morris’ first season with the Hurricanes in 1994, Miami has forged a 59-32 record against Atlantic Coast Conference schools. Subtract the annual six-game series with the Seminoles and UM is 30-11. UM will host Virginia in a three-game series later this season (4/27-29) for the first time under Morris.
MIAMI LEADS THE NATION IN STOLEN BASES — Entering the Florida State series in Tallahassee, the Hurricanes lead the nation with 120 stolen bases.
RODRIGUEZ, NETTLES AND HUGUET ARE LISTED IN THE NCAA STATS — The Hurricanes have two players rated among the top 10 nationally in stolen bases, led by Javy Rodriguez (2nd) and Marcus Nettles (10th). Javy Rodriguez has a national-high 37 (of 48) stolen bases for the season at 0.97 per game. Nettles is 10th with 0.77 per game (27 of 35). Freshman closer George Huguet is tied for seventh nationally with eight saves. He is one of two freshmen in the top seven (t4th, Andy Hutchings, Coll. of Charleston).
MIAMI SWEEPS SAVANNAH STATE — The Hurricanes swept their series with Savannah State to mark the third three-game sweep of the season for UM and sixth overall on the year. UM is now 151-34 in first-time meetings (no service or international teams included). UM has defeated Albany and San Diego State in first-time meetings. UM snapped the Tigers 19-game win streak heading into the series.
Game #3, Miami 16, Savannah State 5 — Tom Farmer earned the win, while the Hurricanes totaled a season-high runs (16) and RBI (16). Javy Rodriguez went 3-5 with three runs scored and four RBI. Mike Rodriguez went 2-3 with one run scored and three RBI. Game #2, Miami 7, Savannah State 2 — Chris Sheffield went 4.1 innings with just one hit allowed before a blister on his pitching hand forced him to leave the game. Dan Smith earned the win in relief. UM won despite only five hits, while the pitching staff allowed just five hits. Javy Rodriguez had two of the five hits. Game #1, Miami 13, Savannah State 4 — Kiki Bengochea scored the win and had a career-best nine strikeouts. Danny Touchet pitched the final 3.0 innings for his first save. Javy Rodriguez went 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Danny Matienzo and Mike Rodriguez also had two hits apiece.
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.
MIAMI SWEEPS ELON IN THREE-GAME SERIES — The three-game series victory over Elon was UM’s 19th consecutive at Mark Light Stadium, as well as the 47th of the past 48 three-game series played at home. The last three-game series lost by UM at home was FSU in 1998. Earlier this season, UM took a three-game series with FAU two games to one – with the middle game at Boca Raton.
Game #3, Miami 7, Elon 4 — Kevin Mannix and Kevin Brown each homered in the fifth, Tom Farmer and George Huguet combined to shut down Elon in a 7-4 win. Mannix broke a 4-4 tie with a solo shot to left field. Later that same inning Brown launched a two-run shot to right field. After 7.0 innings pitched by Farmer, Huguet closed the final 2.0 innings for his first save. Game #2, Miami 10, Elon 9 (12 inn.) — Kevin Mannix had an RBI single in the 12th to score Charlton Jimerson for the extra-inning, 10-9, win. Mannix went 4-6 behind the plate, while Javy Rodriguez had a career-numbers in 5-6 with a triple, a grand slam, six RBI and two stolen bases. Danny Touchet finished off the final 2.0 innings for his first win, while Kiki Bengochea went the first 7.0 innings with two hits, one unearned run, one walk and five strikeouts. Game #1, Miami 4, Elon 2 — UM fought off Elon with solid pitching from Brian Walker and the bullpen, plus a two-run home run from Kevin Brown. Walker went 6.1 innings with two earned runs, plus seven strikeouts. He also set a new school-record in the game with three pick-offs, surpassing J.D. Arteaga’s mark of two set vs. Jacksonville on May 10, 1997. Arteaga, coincidentally, threw out the first pitch on Friday. The bullpen held Elon scoreless the final 2.2 innings. With UM up 2-1, Brown launched his second home run of the season, a two-run shot, to left field in the sixth inning for the 4-1 advantage.
RIVALS.COM RATES TOP 100 COLLEGE PROSPECTS — Rivals.com has rated three UM players among its top 100 college prospects: #34 Kiki Bengochea, #48 Kevin Howard and #76 Brian Walker. In addition, Luke DeBold, Danny Matienzo, Marcus Nettles and Mike Rodriguez also appear on Rivals.com’s prospects list for the state of Florida.
BASEBALL AMERICA RATES TOP 100 COLLEGE PROSPECTS — Baseball America has rated three UM players among its top 100 college prospects in the next MLB draft in its latest Early Draft Preview edition: #39 Mike Rodriguez, #86 Brian Walker and #93 Marcus Nettles. In addition, Rodriguez and Nettles are listed as two of the fastest outfielders in the country.
UM EXTENDS HOME DOMINANCE OVER FLORIDA TO 12 STRAIGHT SINCE 1996 WITH THRILLING TWO-GAME SERIES — With wins in both games against Florida at Mark Light Stadium, Miami pulled off the season-sweep of the 13th-ranked Gators for the first time since winning all four games in 1991, including the 14-5 win in Gainesville on February 3.
The two wins at home also extends UM’s win streak over Florida in Coral Gables to 12 straight games since the 1996 season. The earlier win in Gainesville snapped a 10-game losing streak for UM at McKethan Stadium.
Additionally, the three-game sweep of UF marks the the eighth straight overall series won by the Hurricanes dating back to 2000. A total of 9,694 fans came for the two-game series at the Light, marking a two-game high in the series since 11,342 came in 1989.
Miami brings its all-time series total to 105-80-1 vs. Florida since the 1940 season. The UF series is the longest on-going series on the Hurricanes’ schedule. Only Miami and Florida State have met more times (214), since the 1951 season. Since the 1994 season, Head Coach Jim Morris has gone 19-14 against the Gators, including a 16-2 mark in Coral Gables. Against the Southeastern Conference while at Miami, Morris is 35-25 since 1994.
Game #2 (Coral Gables), Miami 8, Florida 7 — Mike DiRosa had sat out nearly the entire game resting a bruised shoulder suffered in the Friday win over UF, and in his lone at bat in the bottom of the ninth he came up with a walk-off single to score Charlton Jimerson for the winning margin. It was his second career walk-off hit. UM fell behind, 4-0, early, but rallied behind a Mike Rodriguez two-run home run, a Danny Matienzo home run and a Kris Clute two-RBI single. UM tied a season-best with 14 hits in the game. Game #1 (Coral Gables), Miami 10, Florida 4 — UM received an all-around effort in the victory with 10 runs and 13 hits from its offense, no errors and 11 Gators left on base from its defense and just one earned run off a balk from the bullpen. After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the second, Kris Clute hit a three-run home run deep to left field to put UM ahead for good in the bottom of the second. Clute tied his career-best in the game with four RBI. Game #1 (Gainesville), Miami 14, Florida 5 — UM defeated Florida on the Gators’ opening day at McKethan Stadium-Perry Field on February 3 to end a string of 20 straight wins by the home team in the series. Miami last defeated UF in Gainesville, 10-2, on February 2, 1995. The nine-run margin of victory was the largest for UM in Gainesville since the 1985 season. Miami was paced in the game by a solid effort from the bullpen and timely hitting by the offense. The bullpen allowed just three hits and one run over the final 5.1 innings. The UM offense produced a season-best 14 hits and 14 runs. Six UM batters had multiple hits, including Kevin Mannix and Mike DiRosa, who each had three RBI.
HURRICANES START 2001 WITH SERIES WIN OVER FAU — Miami took its first series of the 2001 season by winning two of three games with Florida Atlantic. With the 2-1 mark against the Owls, Miami moves to 35-6 against FAU since the 1982 season, including wins in 17 of the last 19 meetings.
Game #3 (Coral Gables), Miami 4, FAU 2 — The Hurricanes never trailed, as starter Tom Farmer earned the victory. Farmer had six strikeouts, along with the save by DeBold and a solid relief effort from Alex Prendes. Kevin Howard had a two-run homer in the third to give UM the winning margin. Game #2 (Boca Raton), FAU 11, Miami 10 — The Owls turned a 10-9 deficit in the ninth into an 11-10 victory in Boca Raton after UM closer Luke DeBold allowed three hits, one walk and two earned runs for the loss. Six lead changes occured in the contest, including a late three-run rally by the Hurricanes to tie the game 9-9 in the eighth. Game #1 (Coral Gables), Miami 9, FAU 3 — Miami broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth with three runs to take a hold of the game. UM then put the game out of reach in the eighth with four more runs. UM had five extra base hits, led by catcher Mike DiRosa’s home run. Starter Brian Walker earned the win, along with a strong relief effort from Chris Sheffield.
MIAMI IN SEASON OPENERS — Miami holds a 36-21 overall record in season opening games. The Hurricanes defeated FAU, 9-3, in the 2001 season-opener at Mark Light Stadium on February 25. The last loss in a season-opener for the Hurricanes was January 16, 1997, a 3-2 loss at Hawai’i. UM has not lost a season-opener at home since a 9-7 defeat to Florida on February 3, 1984 (14 games).
WALKER, HOWARD EARN STREET & SMITH’S PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA HONORS — Junior ace Brian Walker and sophomore third baseman Kevin Howard were each named to Street &Smith’s 2001 preseason All-American team.
RODRIGUEZ, HOWARD EARN BASEBALL AMERICA PRESEASON THIRD-TEAM HONORS — Junior centerfielder Mike Rodriguez and sophomore third baseman Kevin Howard were each named to the Baseball America 2001 Preseaosn Third-Team All-America list, as selected by the Major League Scouting Directors. Rodriguez was last a freshman all-american two seasons ago, while Howard was arguably the highest decorated freshman player in the nation last season. Howard was the Baseball America National Freshman of the Year as well as first-team freshman All-American.
WALKER EARN NCBWA PRESEASON THIRD-TEAM HONORS — Junior ace Brian Walker was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association preseason third-team. Walker led the pitching staff in 2000 with a 12-2 record at the No. 2 position in the rotation.
WALKER, HOWARD EARN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PRESEASON THIRD-TEAM HONORS — Junior ace Brian Walker and sophomore third baseman Kevin Howard were each named to Collegiate Baseball’s TPX Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American third-team. Howard was the Co-Freshman of the Year by Collegiate Baseball in 2000.
BASEBALL AMERICA RANKS MIAMI FOURTH IN PRESEASON POLL — The Hurricanes were ranked fourth in Baseball America’s annual preseason top 25 poll. UM was selected behind Georgia Tech, Southern California and Louisiana State. Of Miami’s 56 regular season games, UM play 17 or 30.4% of its schedule against team’s ranked in Baseball America’s preseason top 25 poll (#7 FSU, 6, #13 Florida, 4, #15 Cal State Fullerton, 3, #23 East Carolina, 3, #24 Minnesota, 1).
BASEBALL WEEKLY/ESPN RANKS MIAMI EIGHTH IN PRESEASON POLL — The Hurricanes were ranked eighth in Baseball Weekly/ESPN annual preseason top 25 poll. UM was selected behind Georgia Tech, Louisiana State, Southern California, Florida State, Clemson, Arizona State and Nebraska. Of Miami’s 56 regular season games, UM play 12 or 21.4% of its schedule against team’s ranked in the Baseball Weekly/ESPN preseason top 25 poll (#4 FSU, 6, #12 Cal State Fullerton, 3, #14 Florida, 4).
COLLEGIATE BASEBALL RANKS MIAMI NINTH IN PRESEASON POLL — The Hurricanes were ranked ninth in the Collegiate Baseball newspaper annual preseason top 40 poll. UM was selected behind Georgia Tech, Southern California, Louisiana State, Nebraska, Clemson, Arizona State, Rice and Florida State. Of Miami’s 56 regular season games, UM play 22 or 39.3% of its schedule against team’s ranked in the Collegiate Baseball preseason top 40 poll (#8 FSU, 6, #12 Cal State Fullerton, 3, #13 Florida, 4, #30 East Carolina, 3, #31 FIU, 4, #35 Oklahoma State, 1, #39 Minnesota, 1).
STREET & SMITH’S RANK UM EIGHTH IN PRESEASON POLL– The Hurricanes were ranked eighth in Street & Smith’s annual preseason top 25 poll. UM was selected behind Georgia Tech, Southern California, South Carolina, Arizona State, Louisiana State, Rice and Clemson. Of Miami’s 56 regular season games, UM play 20 or 35.7% of its schedule against team’s ranked in the Street & Smith’s preseason top 25 poll (#11 FSU, 6, #13 Florida, 4, #14 Cal-State Fullerton, 3, #17 Rutgers, 3, #18 East Carolina, 3, #22 Minnesota, 1).
