Five-Run Ninth Inning Helps Miami Drop FIU, 11-7
April 11, 2007
MIAMI, Fla. – – Blake Tekotte finished 3-for-5 and Miami exploded for five runs in the top of the ninth rallying from a one-run deficit as the Hurricanes defeated Florida International, 11-7, Wednesday night at FIU’s University Park Stadium. Yonder Alonso hit his 10th home run of the season on his way to a 2-for-4, three-RBI night for the Hurricanes (21-14), who completed the season sweep of the Golden Panthers.
Mark Sobolewski and Richard O’Brien also had two hits for Miami, who out-hit FIU, 12-10. David Gutierrez (2-0) won his second career game for the Hurricanes as he allowed two runs on two solo home runs. Danny Gil pitched a perfect ninth inning sealing the win. UM Starter Manny Miguelez tossed six innings, holding FIU to three earned runs on eight hits.
FIU reliever Jorge Ramos started the ninth inning. He allowed four earned runs on three hits and one walk and was settled with the loss. FIU used six pitchers in the game.
Tekotte started off Miami’s rally with a double to right center. After Hagerty’s ground ball moved him to third, Alonso ripped a single to right field tying the game, 7-7. Sobolewski followed with a double down the left field line moving the runners into scoring position. After Gus Menendez was intentionally walked, Raben reached on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded putting UM ahead, 8-7. Sobolewski scored on a throwing error by the catcher putting UM ahead, 9-7. Dave DiNatale walked, before O’Brien delivered a two-run double to center field capping the scoring for the Hurricanes, 11-7.
FIU hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the seventh to stake the Golden Panthers to a 7-6 lead. After Gutierrez relieved Miguelez, James McOwen hit a one-out solo home run to left field tying the game. Luis Batista followed with a solo homer to left center putting the Golden Panthers ahead, 7-6.
Raimy Fuentes RBI single plated John Petika, who hit a one-out double, drawing the Golden Panthers within, 6-5.
DiNatale smashed his second home run of the season over the left center wall in the top of the third. His long ball scored Raben and Menendez giving UM a 6-4 lead.
FIU took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the second on Corey Lozano’s sacrifice fly.
Miami jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. Tekotte led off the game with a single and scored on Roger Tomas’ double. Alonso then ripped his 10th home run of the season over the wall in right field giving UM the three-run lead. FIU answered right back with three runs in the bottom of the first. John Petika’s two-run single tied the game at 3-3. FIU’s first run came when Luis Batista reached on an error which allowed Chris Dunn to score.
McOwen led FIU going 3-for-5 with a pair of runs and an RBI. Petika was 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Miami returns to Atlantic Coast Conference action this weekend hosting NC State for a three-game series. Game times are 7 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1 p.m.
UM will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1982 national championship team this weekend. The team will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony before Friday’s game.
Game and Series Notes: Miami has now won four of its last five games in the last at-bat. The streak began against FIU last Wednesday. UM won in the bottom of the 11th against Georgia Tech on Saturday and in the bottom of the ninth against the Yellow Jackets on Sunday … Alonso matched his season-high for home runs with his 10th one against FIU. Alonso homered 10 times through 66 games last season … Miami has now won six in a row over the Golden Panthers.
