Mike Kaffee
Hurricanes Baseball Reporter
[email protected]
Miami drops the final game to the Tigers being shut out 7-0. Miami knew coming into today’s contest that the key would have to come from starter Herick Hernandez supported by a productive offense and strong defense. They would get none from the aforementioned. Herick ran into problems coming in the first inning starting with a lead-off double and ending with three runs resulting from his throwing error to first. The Offense was gridlocked by freshman pitcher Aidan Knaak allowing three base runners to reach base and no one to pass second for the 7 innings on the mound. Miami struck out 11 times and batted .071 (2-28). As for the defense, 3 errors only one would prove costly resulting in runs scored. There would be no Cardiac Moments or Miami Magic today. No Easter Bunny being pulled out of the hat. What Clemson pulled out was Miami’s first shutout of the season.
Herick’s day started in the wrong direction with a lead-off double to Cam Cannarella. He got the next batter with strikes before the first red flag went up. A chopper to short, Jimenez elects to go to third. The throw is high and not thrown with any urgency resulting in Cannarella sliding underneath the tag. A walk loads the bases. A tap in front of the plate the only play is to first. Hernandez’s throw to first high and wide of the base down the right field line cleared the bases. Clemson takes the lead 3-0 with Miami coming to bat; once again playing from behind.
The Miami hitters were unable to form any semblance of an attack not being able to put runners on the bases. The two hits, one in the second (Torres) and the other in the 6th (Jimenez) were the only productivity off of the Clemson’s starter. The only other baserunner today resulted from a walk coming in the 6th but stalled leaving two on base.
Clemson added a run in 3rd. Man on third from resulting from a one-out double advanced to third on an unassisted ground out to first. A bloop single over the head of Torres that Gonzalez nor Villegas able to reach.
The crusher came in the 6th and would mark the end of the day for the Hialeah Fire who would experience another “flameout”. One out walk, hit batter, and a single would load the bases for the second time for the Tigers today. Cam Cannarella who started the day with an opening double, finished the day for Herick with his second double clearing the bases. JD would bring in Chestnutt and Scinta to finish the inning.
Miami responded by getting two runners on(lead-off walk, single) but failed to move the line which has been a continuing problem. They were 1-8 today. That would be Miami’s last drive attempting to put runs on the board. For the next 3 innings, it was a 3up/3down showing.
The only bright spot today was Chris Diaz making his seasonal debut. Out with injuries, he will be a needed asset in the BP. A rough beginning with a lead-off single and one-out double (2nd,3rd) but a strong finish striking out the next two.
Miami travels to FAU for a midweek game before the weekend series at Duke. Miami and Duke tied in Conference play with Duke having the better overall record. Duke will be coming off a series win against Virginia. This is a must-series for the Canes if they intend to stay competitive for post-season seeding.
