The Miami Hurricanes scored three runs in the third, fourth, fifth and eighth innings to power past Clemson 12-3 in their ACC series opener on Friday night. The loss was the fourth straight for the Tigers, while Miami picked up its second consecutive win.
The Hurricanes opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning, striking first on a passed ball. Miami plated two more runs in the frame on an RBI groundout and an RBI double from catcher Adrian Del Castillo.
Clemson cut the deficit to 3-1 in the top of the fourth on an infield single by second baseman Sam Hall. However, the Tigers’ pitching staff was unable to get a shutdown inning in the bottom half, as Miami once again plated three runs to expand the lead to 6-1. Clemson starting pitcher Mack Anglin lasted just three and two thirds innings; allowing six runs on five hits, while walking six. Anglin ultimately took the loss to fall to 1-2 on the season.
Miami broke the game wide open in the fifth inning, connecting on three homeruns; two of which were back-to-back by Dominic Pitelli and Gabe Rivera. All told, the Hurricanes hit a season-high five homeruns in the game, including two by first baseman Alex Toral.
The Tigers (15-15/9-10) plated two runs in the seventh on a fielder’s choice and RBI groundout by Dylan Brewer. However, the Hurricanes (19-11/11-10) would round out the scoring with a three-run blast off the bat of DH Raymond Gil in the bottom half of the eighth inning.
In addition to the offensive explosion, starting pitcher Alejandro Rosario improved to 4-2 on the season, allowing two earned runs in six innings of work for the ‘Canes. The freshman right hander also struck out a career-high nine batters.
The two teams will continue their series in South Florida tomorrow night with first pitch set for 6pm.
