Hurricanes Complete Sweep of Pace, 20-2
May 4, 2003
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – Miami recorded its 1500th home win as it completed the sweep of Pace University with a 20-2 victory in front of 814 fans Sunday afternoon at Mark Light Field.
The Hurricanes improve their record to 32-11-1, while the Setters fall to 9-35 on the season.
Hurricane starter Alex Perez (1-2) recorded his first career win going five strong innings giving up only two hits and hitting a batter, while striking out three batters.
Senior first baseman Jim Burt led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate, scoring three runs and knocking in two, including a solo home run. Joey Hooft finished the series going 8-for-14 with seven runs scored and a team-high 11 RBI.
Miami put two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning with Danny Figueroa singling to leadoff the game and stealing first and second base before scoring on a wild pitch. Jim Burt followed with his 10th home run of the season to set a new career-high for home runs.
The Canes blew things open in the second inning, scoring five runs on three hits highlighted by a three-run double by Adam Ricks in the right-center field gap.
Miami continued its solid offensive performance in the fourth inning scoring four runs on two hits and an error, extending its lead to 11-0. Lead-off hitter Danny Figueroa led off the inning with a single to center field reaching base for the third time in as many at bats and stole third base for his third steal of the game. Figueroa finished the game with a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with three runs scored and an RBI.
The Hurricanes sent 11 batters to plate in the fifth inning scoring seven runs on five hits. Erick San Pedro knocked in three of the seven runs on a double into the right center field gap.
Pace broke the shut out in the sixth inning scoring a run on an RBI single up the middle by J.C. Pullum scoring Paul Bonaros. Bonaros led off the inning with a double down the left field line passed a diving Gaby Sanchez.
Tom Shannon knocked in Matt Barket in the seventh inning, giving the Hurricanes a 20-1 lead and marking the first time in school history Miami has scored 20-runs in three consecutive games.
The setters added another run in the ninth off of closer George Huguet, but fell short as the Hurricanes turned their 43rd double play of the season to end the game.
The Hurricanes go on the road to face Jacksonville in a three-game weekend series beginning Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in Alexander Breast Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
