Canes Host Annual FanFest and Alumni Game
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes celebratedthe opening of baseball season Saturday with their annual FanFest and AlumniGame at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
Over 40 former Hurricanes joined in for the festivities,which included inflatables and face painting for youngsters, an autographsession with the 2013 team and a nine-inning game between the Hurricanes andformer stars. The event was free and open to the public.
“We had a really good turnout for FanFest,” head coach JimMorris said. “It was fun to see people, sign posters for everyone. It was fun.”
Junior Dale Carey gave Miami the early advantage in theAlumni Game, connecting on an RBI single off pitching coach JD Arteaga in thefirst inning. Michael Broad’s RBI double down the leftfield line off SanFrancisco Giants’ minor leaguer EJ Encinosa extended the Canes’ lead to 2-0 inthe bottom of the second.
But the Alumni would not go down without a fight, as SanDiego Padres’ first baseman Yonder Alonso connected on a two-RBI double to tiethe game in the top of the third. Alonso, who finished the game 2-for-3,knocked in brothers Paco and Danny Figueroa on the play.
“Yonder had a big day swinging the bat, it’s good watchinghim,” Morris said. “You can see why he’s in the big leagues. All these guys arefun to watch and catch up with.”
Broad would add to his impressive night with a fourth-inninghomerun, giving the Hurricanes a lead they would not relinquish. Miami wouldtack on two more runs in the sixth inning to clinch the victory. Sophomorestarter Andrew Suarez and junior reliever AJ Salcines delivered strong showingson the mound.
“I think it’s great when we get to play other people,”Morris said. “It’s always fun to watch our players play, to see who hits andwho pitches and who gets it done. It was about watching them play as a teamtoday.”
The Hurricanes officially begin their season Fri., Feb. 15with an Opening Day showdown against visiting Rutgers University. For ticketsto the 2013 baseball season, visit CanesTix.com.
