No. 9 Hurricanes Run Past Terps 9-1

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The ninth-ranked Miami Hurricanes clinched their third-straight conference series on Saturday night, taking game two of their weekend set with the visiting Maryland Terrapins by a final score of 9-1.

After recording only five hits in Friday night’s 5-1 victory, the Hurricanes exploded for 22 baserunners and 14 basehits in an offensive outburst at Alex Rodriguez Park. Every single Miami starter registered at least one hit, while Michael Broad, Dale Carey and Rony Rodriguez each recorded multi-hit games in the series-clinching win.

It didn’t take long for the Canes to strike against Maryland starter David Carroll, who was chased out of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Miami struck for three runs in the game’s second frame, powered by a two-RBI triple from second baseman Stephen Perez. The junior was promptly driven in on a single from Broad two pitches later, extending the Hurricanes lead to 3-1.

After allowing five baserunners and one unearned run in the game’s first two innings, junior starter Eric Whaley shut down a talented Terrapin offense with another impressive start. The Pompano Beach, Fla. native, who retired 11 of the next 13 batters before being pulled, finished the game with a final line of six innings, one run and five strikeouts. His five hits allowed were the fewest since his start against Albany way back on Feb. 25.

“We’re going out there and trying to do our best to help our team win,” Whaley said after his start. “Everybody’s doing pretty good so it’s working right now.”

The Hurricanes would tack on four runs in the next two innings, including another three-run frame in the fourth. After another single from Broad began the action, an RBI-double from Carey increased the Canes lead to 5-1. Captain Peter O’Brien walked in the next at-bat, while Fieger cleared the bases with a double down the left field line to give Miami a commanding 7-1 lead entering the fifth inning.

“Yesterday we didn’t have many hits, so today we came in with the mindset that we need to get more hits and had to take some pressure off our pitching staff,” Carey said after the game.

While the Miami offense made quick work of Terrapin pitchers, Whaley shined on the hill for the Hurricanes. After a single allowed to designated hitter Tomo Delp in the fourth inning, the righthander set down the next eight batters in a row to end his start in the sixth.

The bullpen, who combined for three scoreless innings against the Terps, was once again a bright spot for Head Coach Jim Morris and pitching coach J.D. Arteaga. Freshman Alexander Fernandez pitched a scoreless seventh inning, while transfers Alex San Juan and Eric Nedeljkovic provided flawless frames in the eighth and ninth innings.

“I’m big on developing a bullpen, so getting guys a chance to pitch is great,” Morris said. “We need a lot of guys to be able to throw to get it done.”

Miami will return to the diamond on Sunday for the series finale against the Terrapins. First pitch for the game is set for 1 p.m.

GAME NOTES

Righthand Magic
Though the Canes piled on 14 hits against the Terrapins on Saturday night, Eric Whaley quietly earned his third win of the season with a strong performance. The righthander’s allowed no baserunners after the fourth inning, giving way to a near perfect three right-handed innings from the bullpen: Alexander Fernandez, Alex San Juan and Eric Nedeljkovic.

Heating Up
Junior second baseman Stephen Perez extended his hit streak to five games after crushing a two-RBI triple in the second inning. The hit turned out to be the gamewinner, and was Perez’ third three-bagger of the year.

Starting Off Hot
Every starter on the Hurricanes recorded at least one hit, while replacements Julian Santos, Chantz Mack, Scott Wiebel and Corey Janson all reached base as well. The 14 hits were the most for the Hurricanes in 2012.