I had my first chance to see the Miami Hurricanes this season over the weekend. I saw the Hurricanes take on Boston College on Saturday night at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton and at Shea Field on Sunday in Chestnut Hill.
The Saturday game featured Boston College jumping out to a 4-0 lead after 2 innings before the Miami offense came alive in the fourth inning. I have attended over 250 college baseball games over the last few seasons and in my lifetime but Miami would put together three straight homers to tie the score up. The homers were hit by Chris Hermann, Yasmani Grandal, and Harold Martinez. All three of these homers were absolute bombs and no-doubters in the minor league ballpark.
BC would regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth but would not be able to hold onto it. BC starting pitcher John Leonard came back out for the fifth inning which was an interesting decision to all in attendance. He would let up a deep two out two run homer to Jason Hagerty to give the Canes the 6-5 lead. The next batter was Chris Hermann who proceeded to put the ball over the left field fence for a 7-5 lead. BC’s Mik Aoki would finally lift Leonard and the BC bullpen would hold Miami scoreless but the Canes returned the favor by keeping the Eagles scoreless.
On Sunday in the series finale, Miami (FL) sent struggling Sunday starter Iden Nazario who struggled in his 2.2 innings of work by giving up four runs (three earned) as the Eagles continued to pound the Miami staff throughout the day as they cruised to a 13-3 victory. The story of the day was BC starter Pat Dean who pitched seven scoreless innings where he only allowed four hits and a walk while striking out seven batters. Miami would put a three run rally together in the eighth inning against BC closer Mike Belfiore but could not complete the comeback as they lost 13-3. Barry Butera led the Eagles offense with a 3-4 day with three runs scored and two RBI.
It looked to me throughout the two games that the Miami team is currently in a rebuilding stage after losing so many quality hitters last season. The starting pitching for the Hurricanes on Saturday and Sunday are major issues that need to be straightened out if they expect to be competiting for a championship this season either in the ACC or the College World Series. Kyle Bellamy on the other hand from Miami is one of the best closers in the nation as he was lights out with his sidewinder delivery and a deadly breaking ball.
