Hurricanes Defeat Alumni, 11-3
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Seventy-three Hurricanes baseball alumni returned to Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field Saturday evening for the annual Alumni Game.
The 2023 Miami Hurricanes used an eight-run fourth inning to cruise past the Alumni, 11-3.
The Alumni Team featured former MLB veterans Jon Jay and Danny Valencia and fan favorites like Kevin Brown, Adrian Del Castillo and Willie Abreu.
“It means a lot,” said Miami head coach Gino DiMare, who played four standouts seasons for the Hurricanes from 1989-92. “We had some pro guys play all nine innings, which to me is really, really impressive. I can’t thank them enough. It’s important for us to be able to get ready to play. Those guys gave up their time to come over here and play. Quite a few of them played the whole game and that’s really nice of them. It means a lot to me and our program.”
Junior first baseman CJ Kayfus led the way offensively for the Hurricanes, finishing 3-for-3 with two home runs and four RBI. Kayfus’ two blasts bookended the eight-run frame, which featured as many hits.
Outfielder Ian Farrow tallied a couple of knocks, highlighted by a solo shot an inning later to push the Hurricanes’ advantage to 10-0.
“Tonight, helped get the first-night jitters out,” Kayfus said. “It was a lot of fun to get back out there under the lights in front of our fans. To play against big leaguers and other pro guys will definitely help prepare us for the competition we’ll be facing during the season.”
Junior right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario set the tone on the bump, striking out a quartet of alums over four scoreless innings.
Right-handers Andrew Walters, Ronaldo Gallo, Alejandro Torres, Brian Walters and southpaw Rafe Schlesinger teamed up to toss the final five frames. The five relievers limited the star-studded Alumni lineup to three runs and four hits.
“I got to work on some stuff and see how it played in a live game,” Rosario said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face a legend like Jon Jay. It will definitely go down as one for the books. We can’t wait to get out there and open up against Penn State.”
Prior to the exhibition contest, the Hurricanes hosted their first Fan Fest since 2020. Hundreds of fans met the players and coaches, while kids also got the opportunity to run the bases, hit in the batting cages and dress like a Cane.
Miami begins its 2023 state on Feb. 17 with the first game of a three-game against Penn State. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Mark Light Field.
To keep up with the University of Miami baseball team on social media, follow @CanesBaseball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
