BOCA RATON, Fla. — Miami right-handed pitcher Jake Garland set the tone and the Hurricanes’ offense broke out late to defeat the FAU Owls, 7-1, Wednesday evening at FAU Baseball Stadium.
The Hurricanes (14-6, 4-2 ACC) scored six runs in the final three innings and held the Owls (14-8, 1-2 C-USA) to just one unearned run.
“He pitched to contact, very efficient,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said of Garland. “He threw 65 pitches in six innings, that’s exactly what a starter should do. It saves your bullpen, you don’t have to go to it until late. He was unbelievable.”
Garland (3-1) retired eight of the first nine hitters he faced, limiting FAU to one run on only three hits. The third-year sophomore generated eight groundouts, reaching the six-inning mark for the third time in his first five outings.
“Every inning, you have to come out with fire and do what you do best,” Garland said. “I let them make outs. I have so much trust in my defense. It was great to see them work behind me.”
With Garland keeping the Owls in check, the Hurricanes broke the 1-1 stalemate in the seventh.
First baseman CJ Kayfus, left fielder Edgardo Villegas and third baseman Yohandy Morales all singled to load the bases for cleanup hitter Maxwell Romero Jr.
Romero Jr. plated Kayfus with a sacrifice fly, pushing the Hurricanes in front, 2-1.
Then, Jacob Burke cleared the bases.
Burke ripped triple down the right field line, extending Miami’s lead to three runs.
“It took a while, but we got the big hit from Burke,” DiMare said. “He’s probably been our most clutch hitter.”