Miami Rebounds to Force Rubber Game
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — After dropping its ACC opener Friday, the University of Miami baseball team bounced back to defeat Boston College, 11-3, Saturday night at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
“We played a much more complete game,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said. “We pitched, played good defense, made no errors and made the plays we’re supposed to make. We put some pressure on them and were able to get some hits and some situational hitting. They didn’t play very well defensively and we took advantage of that.”
The Hurricanes (10-4, 1-1 ACC), who totaled 11 runs on a season-high 16 hits Friday, carried the offensive momentum into Game Two of the three-game series.
Miami scored seven runs across the first five frames to take control over the Eagles (6-7, 1-1 ACC).
On the first pitch of the third inning, shortstop Dominic Pitelli launched his team-leading third home run to put the Hurricanes ahead, 1-0.
“He’s not in there to hit homeruns, but he’s got some pop,” DiMare said. “He did a good job of keeping his hands back and drove it to right field. He’s a lot more confident at the plate, you can see it in his body language. It’s extremely important to have somebody down at the bottom of the lineup that can be taxing at-bats for pitchers.”
After Boston College first baseman Joe Vetrano answered with a blast of his own, the Hurricanes scored four runs in the fourth to retake the lead.
Miami second baseman Dorian Gonzalez Jr. and designated hitter Lorenzo Carrier both reached base to lead off the inning, setting the table for left fielder Edgardo Villegas.
Villegas doubled down the left field line, plating Gonzalez Jr. and pushing Carrier to third.
With Miami in front, 2-1, center fielder Jacoby Long padded the Hurricanes’ cushion, bringing home Carrier on a fielder’s choice.
Pitelli followed with a sacrifice fly, extending Miami’s advantage to 4-1.
Third-year sophomore Jacob Burke capped off the four-run frame, driving in Long with a base hit.
“We wanted to pick up where we left off last night,” Pitelli said. “We put balls in play and did well with runners in scoring position. Each guy came through in big spots today.”
The Hurricanes scored twice more in the fifth, capitalizing on a Boston College error before tacking on four more insurance tallies in the seventh.
Pitelli led the offensive charge, matching a career-high with four RBI while Lorenzo Carrier, who snapped an 0-for-19 skid with a base knock in the fourth, finished with his fourth multi-hit performance of the season.
Miami starter Karson Ligon (2-1) dominated the Eagles, striking out seven across six strong innings. Ligon retired nine of the final 10 batters he faced after surrendering the solo shot in the fourth.
“It starts on the mound,” DiMare said. “Karson Ligon threw outstanding. He’s really stepped up and performed for us when we’ve needed him. He pounded the zone and his fastball command seemed to be good.”
Boston College starter Sean Hard (0-1) only lasted four innings, allowing six runs, five earned, on five hits and four walks.
With their first ACC victory, the Hurricanes force a rubber game Sunday against the Eagles. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
“Whatever we did today, we need to do tomorrow,” Ligon said. “Our starter is going to need to come out and pitch well. We’re going to need to bring the energy from the bats from the get-go and we’re going to need to be ready, just like every other game.”
