Miami Wins Coral Gables Regional
June 6, 2004
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – Jim Burt’s three-run double highlighted a nine-run seventh inning as the top-seeded University of Miami Hurricanes pulled away and defeated third-seeded Florida Atlantic, 19-6, in the championship game of the Coral Gables Regional at Mark Light Field.
The Hurricanes advance to next weekend’s NCAA Super Regional against the winner of the Oklahoma City Regional. Dates and times for the eight NCAA Super Regionals will be announced Monday.
Burt, who was named the Regional’s Most Outstanding Player, went 4 for 6 on the day with a double, home run, four RBI and five runs scored. In three Regional Tournament games, the senior first baseman was 10 for 15 with two doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI and nine runs scored.
Florida Atlantic jumped out to the early lead scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning on RBI singles from Tim Mascia and Robbie Widlansky.
Miami answered with two runs in the top of the second on a two-run blast to left center by Gabby Sanchez, his seventh of the season and second in as many games.
Designated hitter Ryan Braun gave Miami a 3-2 lead in the third with a solo home run off the scoreboard in left. The Hurricanes then increased the lead to 4-2 after right fielder Richard Giannotti drove in Jim Burt from third on a sacrifice fly in the top of the fourth.
Florida Atlantic battled back in the fifth plating three runs including a two run home run by Widlansky over the right field wall, his fifth home run of the season. Erick San Pedro then tied the score in the top of the sixth for Miami with his 12th home run of the season.
Miami took control of the game in the seventh inning scoring nine runs on seven hits including Burt’s three-run double. Junior right fielder Richard Giannotti then recorded his first career grand slam in the eighth to push the Hurricane lead to 18-6. Burt then put the finishing touches on the UM win with a solo home run in the ninth.
Miami left hander J.D. Cockroft (9-4) picked up the win pitching six innings giving up five runs on eight hits while striking out three and walking two. Florida Atlantic lefty Randy Beam took the loss after allowing nine runs, eight earned, on six hits in 6.1 innings.
2004 ALL REGIONAL TEAM
First Base: Jim Burt, Miami
Second Base: Matt Camp, NC State
Third Base: Gaby Sanchez, Miami
Shortstop: Roger Tomas, Miami
Catcher: Erick San Pedro, Miami
Outfield: Jeff Fiorentino, Florida Atlantic
Outfield: Jon Jay, Miami
Outfield: Brian Barton, Miami
DH: Rusty Brown, Florida Atlantic
Pitcher: Will Mann, Florida Atlantic
Pitcher: Brandon Camardese, Miami
Most Outstanding Performer: Jim Burt, Miami
