Erickson Pitches Miami by Duke, 5-1
May 18, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – Freshman lefty Eric Erickson limited Duke to one run over 7 2/3 innings while fellow freshman left fielder Mark Sobolewski went 3-for-4 as Miami took the second game of the Atlantic Coast Conference series, 5-1, at Mark Light Field Friday night on senior night. Blake Tekotte scored three runs in going 2-for-3 for the Hurricanes (34-20, 16-13 ACC), who have won eight of their last nine games.
The game was delayed 40 minutes due to lightning. Erickson (9-3) scattered seven hits, struck out three and walked no one. Danny Gil relieved him in the eighth with runners on first and second while the tying run was on deck. Gil was able to get Nate Freiman to ground out to third base. He ended up tossing 1 1/3 innings and struck out two for his fifth save. Yonder Alonso finished 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Duke starting pitcher Tony Bajoczky (9-3) dropped only his third game. He allowed five runs on eight hits and struck out three. Michael Seander pitched two scoreless innings for the Blue Devils. Jonathan Anderson led Duke going 2-for-4.
The Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Alonso’s sacrifice fly into foul territory, which scored Blake Tekotte, who led off the game with his 14th double. Duke tied the game when Brett Bartles scored on a fielder’s choice in the top of the second.
Richard O’Brien’s sacrifice fly allowed Sobolewski to score putting the Hurricanes ahead, 2-1, in the bottom of the second. Alonso’s RBI single in the bottom of the third extended the Miami lead to, 3-1.
Tekotte’s second double of the game led off the bottom of the seventh. After a Roger Tomas single and Alonso intentionally walked, Raben drew a bases loaded walk to make it, 4-1. Alonso later scored on a wild pitch to make it, 5-1.
Miami and Duke will wrap up their series Saturday at 1 p.m. RHP Enrique Garcia will face Duke RHP Alexander Hassan (2-5, 5.19 ERA).A Miami win on Saturday would give the Hurricanes the No. 5 seed in next week’s ACC Tournament. UM
Game Notes: Before the game, Miami honored its five seniors, Danny Gil, Richard O’Brien, Chris Petralli, Gus Menendez and Roger Tomas along with coordinator of baseball operations Robert ‘G.M.’ McDaniel who are taking part in their last regular season series at “The Light” … A Miami win on Saturday would give the Hurricanes the No. 5 seed in next week’s ACC Tournament. UM sits at 16-13 in the conference which ties with NC State, who won their second straight game over Clemson (17-12). Georgia Tech fell two 15-13 after losing its second straight game to Florida State. Miami owns tiebreakers over Georgia Tech and Clemson … Erickson lowered his ERA to 1.85 on the season, which ranks second among starting pitchers in the ACC … Sobolewski had his team-leading 22 multiple hit game while Tekotte added his 19th multiple hit game of the season … Yonder Alonso increased his RBI total to 66 which continues to lead the ACC.
