No. 14 Miami Takes Out Hofstra in Series-Opener

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – No. 14 University of Miami made easy work of Hofstra University with 16 runs on as many hits to beat the Pride, 16-4, on Friday night in non-conference baseball action at Alex Rodriguez Park.

UMiami sophomore Steven Perez recorded his first four-hit game of the year, which included five RBIs. Freshmen pitcher Bryan Radziewski (7-2, 3.29 ERA) earned the win for UM, while the Pride’s Rob Kumbatovic (1-8, 3.29 ERA) was charged with the loss.

The victory improved the Canes to 14-8 in non-conference play, while the Pride dropped to 11-28 overall.

Miami (30-15) were propelled by strong appearances at the plate and wasted no time getting on the board with designated hitter Rony Rodriguez scoring the Canes first run off a solo home run in the second inning. Rodriguez went 3-for-3 on the evening with two RBIs and lifted his batting average to .326 – second best on the team.

Perez also gave a stellar batting performance. He went 4-for-5 at the dish, drove in five runs and recorded his first four-hit game of the season. His seventh double of the year came in the second inning and drove in freshman Dale Carey for the Canes second run of the game.

Add to that sophomore Zeke DeVoss’ tenth double of the year in the fifth inning and junior Nathan Melendres’ six-game hitting streak and the Canes had the recipe for success against the Pride.

Hofstra (11-28) responded to the Canes two-run second inning when catcher Matt Reistetter doubled to drive in the team’s first run in the top of the third.

The tit-for-tat play soon ended, however, and UMiami went on a 12-run tear, beginning with a six-run fifth inning.

A Miami double-steal caused an errant throw by Hofstra’s Reistetter which allowed DeVoss to score from third and Melendres to advance to second. In the next at bat, Rodriguez plated Melendres to tack on the Canes’ fourth run of the game.

A wild pitch by Pride starter Rob Kumbatovic allowed Melendres to advance to scoring position with Rodriguez at the plate. One batter later, Martinez’s single through the right side loaded the bases, and Brad Fieger finished the job by plating the Canes sixth run on the ensuing at-bat.

By the time freshmen catcher Shane Rowland drove in Carey for the team’s ninth run, the Canes were off to an insurmountable lead. The RBI-heavy fifth inning marked the seventh time this season UM scored five or more runs in an inning. It also marked the end of the Pride’s reliever Brett Schreiber’s outing.

Undaunted, the Canes continued to pile on runs.

Sophomore Chantz Mack went deep to right field in the sixth. His second homerun of the year put the Canes up 11-1, and the blast marked the first home run to right field at Alex Rodriguez Park this season.

Also of note, freshmen Corey Janson made his first-ever appearance in the seventh inning, pinch hitting for Shane Rowland and taking over catching duties in the top of the eighth. Meanwhile, Senior relief pitcher Michael Rudman made his first appearance for the Canes since April 17th against Maryland.

By the time Miami recorded a 6-4-3 double play to end the game; they had scored the most runs at home this year.

In earning the win, Radziewski tossed six innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and striking out four. Kumbatovic allowed seven runs (four earned) on nine Hurricanes hits and struck-out four in 4 1/3 tossed for the Pride.

Canes action continues tomorrow as UM faces Hofstra in game two of the series at 7 p.m., at Alex Rodriguez Park. UM sophomore Eric Whaley (6-3, 2.85 ERA) will toe the rubber, while Hofstra will send David D’Errico (4-5, 4.34 ERA) to the mound as a counter.

Live stats for the game will be provided through Game Tracker at HurricaneSports.com. Fans can also join the live chat, provided by Cover It Live, by visiting HurricaneSports.com as well.

For more information on the University of Miami baseball team, please log on to HurricaneSports.com. To follow the UM Baseball Team via twitter, please navigate to Twitter.com/CanesBaseball. You can also access the official UMiami Baseball blog at TheUBaseball.com.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all UM Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/HurricaneSports.  You can also become a fan of the Hurricanes on Facebook at Facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes.

University of Miami Baseball Postgame Notes:

With the win, the Hurricanes improved to…

• 30-15 on the season
• 14-8 in out of conference games
• 20-8 at Alex Rodriguez Park this season
• 20-3 in games where they score first
• 10-2 in Game one of a series

Tonight’s Starters
Shane Rowland started his 28th game of the season – and the 25th behind the plate – for the Hurricanes. Zeke DeVoss started at second, his 14th start of the season in the infield at second. DeVoss is the only Hurricanes player to start every game this season.

Nice to Meet You
This was the first-ever meeting between the Hofstra Pride and Miami Hurricanes.

Melendres Keeps it Going
With an RBI single in the fifth inning, junior outfielder Nathan Melendres now has a six-game hitting streak, tying his season-long streak.

Scoring in Bunches
Miami broke the game wide-open in the fifth, scoring six runs. It was the seventh time this season the Hurricanes have scored five or more runs in an inning.

Mack Attack
Chantz Mack hit a solo home run to right field in the sixth inning to make it 11-1 in favor of the Canes. That was the first home run hit to right field at home for UMiami this season.

Broadening His Horizons
Sophomore Michael Broad came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the sixth, and came out to play third the next half-inning. It was the first time this season he has played third.

Perez Has a Day
Sophomore shortstop Stephen Perez had a career night at the plate, registering a season-high four hits. He drove in five runs and scored twice.

Seeing the Field
Freshman catcher Corey Janson made his first appearance of the season, when he pinch hit for Shane Rowland and came in to catch in the top of the eighth inning. Senior relief pitcher Michael Rudman also got in the game, and pitched a scoreless eighth inning. It was his first appearance since April 17 against Maryland.