To be honest, for the last few years the Florida Gators have had the Miami Hurricanes' number when it comes to college baseball. The Gators have consistently beaten and even eliminated the Hurricanes from post-season play on several occasions in recent years.
In a sense, it appeared that Gainesville had become the place where Miami baseball dreams had gone to die. But that was then, and this is now.
After tonight, it appears that the monkey may finally be off Miami's back.
Behind an impressive start from sophomore Chris Diaz and a game-winning single from freshman David Thompson, No. 20 Miami continued its perfect season Friday night, taking the series opener with in-state rival Florida by a final score of 3-2.
After Florida tied the game at 2-2 in the eighth inning, a two-out single from Thompson helped guide Miami to its tenth straight victory to open the season. With the win, Miami snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Gators, a stretch that dated back to the March 2010 regular season series in Coral Gables. The Hurricanes, one of four undefeated teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are now 10-0 for the first time since 1981.
Now read that again: The Hurricanes, one of four undefeated teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are now 10-0 for the first time since 1981.
Diaz, who entered the opener sporting a 0.75 ERA, delivered another strong start on a chilly night at McKethan Stadium. The Florida City, Fla., native went a career-high seven shutout innings, scattering eight hits while working his way out of tough jams. He battled his way to a career-high 101 pitches, 67 of which went for strikes.
The southpaw extended a solid season-opening stretch for Miami's weekend rotation, which has allowed only three combined runs across seven starts and 40.2 innings of work.
It was Miami who struck first off Gators' starter Jonathan Crawford, as the first career homerun from senior catcher Alex San Juan gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth. The no-doubt shot to left plated junior Brad Fieger, who extended his hitting streak to nine consecutive games earlier in the frame with a double.
Miami could have been leading by more, having stranded runners six runners through the game's first four innings. The Hurricanes nearly opened the scoring in the second, when singles from San Juan and Brandon Lopez sandwiched around a walk to Dale Carey loaded the bases. But Crawford induced a fielder's choice from junior Tyler Palmer to end the scoring threat.
By game's end, Miami had stranded 10 runners.
The Hurricanes looked like they would add to their advantage in the seventh, when reliever Daniel Gibson plunked Alexander Hernandez and allowed a follow-up single to Chantz Mack. But Jay Carmichael, who came on in relief of Gibson, retired the next three Miami batters to keep the lead at only 2-0.
Florida tied the game in the eighth, scoring two runs on Miami miscues. After a passed ball from San Juan advanced Gators' sophomore Josh Powers (walk) to second, junior Bryan Radziewski allowed an RBI single to Vickash Ramjit to cut the lead in half. Senior Eric Nedeljkovic, on in relief of Radziewski, then induced a high pop-up from pinch-hitter Christian Dicks, but Lopez dropped the ball from his perch at short to plate the tying run.
Thompson delivered the heroic hit in the top half of the ninth that killed the Gators for good. After Chantz Mack reached base with a two-out single and stole second base, Thompson drove the senior in with a single up the middle. The hit was Thompson's third gamewinner of the season.
The Hurricanes return to McKethan Stadium for game two of the series on Saturday. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m., with live broadcast set for Sun Sports. And with the monkey finally off our backs..."We can't wait!"
Hmm
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | March 02, 2013 at 12:02 AM
Always a good day when our Canes beat the Crocs.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | March 02, 2013 at 12:08 AM
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | March 02, 2013 at 12:02 AM
Now where's that erase button again SOUP? LOL!
Mcginns, you didn't stop by Canespace to celebrate the big road team win for VT three nights ago? I'm shocked at you missing that opportunity. How about the clenching of the ACC title for UM thanks to Duke's loss the other night? No for that either?
Man I hope your D'No plushie put on its owl feather tiara that matched its eyeshadow for you then instead.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | March 02, 2013 at 12:09 AM
You win ogv ... I retire from anti canespace as long as your running it.
Posted by: Mcginns ale house | March 02, 2013 at 12:20 AM
OGV...how many of dem dere titles does Da Gatahs baseball teem half? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 12:24 AM
The Canes have won 10 games in 2013.
David Thompson has THREE game-winning hits.
OH MY!
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 12:30 AM
The 'Canes baseball uniforms are great. Love the looks, but why can't football have something good. I've been a fan of the retro look, but now I'll take just about anything different than what we have now. Something that can make us forget these last 5 years.
Posted by: HawaiiCane | March 02, 2013 at 12:30 AM
Great for DT to come through to turn what was a tough night for him into a great one in the end there 86. Baseball regular seasons are one of the least meaningful but it's always nice to keep the 1.000 winning percentage for as long as you can and Morris seems to have a pretty good team to chase another title (also known as infinity squared times the numbers of dem der gaturds championships in dem der gaturds trophy case for those keeping track, you know who you are) this year. Plenty of room for improvement for his team and hopefully they can win the series later tonight.
Now, about that football team bringing up the rear . . .
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2013/FEB13/DBFeb26.html
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | March 02, 2013 at 12:41 AM
Posted by: UpNorthCane | March 01, 2013 at 11:07 AM
One other place you can go in Islamorada if you really want to get your grub on is Whale Harbor. It's an all you can eat premium seafood buffet that also has items like ribs and hand carved beef.
Posted by: semperfi_cane | March 02, 2013 at 01:38 AM
Excited to see the baseball team doing so well so far. A 10-0 record and first win over the Gators since '10. Wonder what a sweep of the Gators would do for our ranking? We've got a good team this year. Gonna be fun to watch them.
Posted by: KiriJax | March 02, 2013 at 02:38 AM
Ryan Williams!
Posted by: Hurricane Warrior | March 02, 2013 at 04:08 AM
SemperFi...That is true. If U like AYCE buffets it doesn't get any better than the one at Whale Harbor.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:11 AM
Kiri...This young UM baseball team is an exciting bunch. Thompson has brought a football type of fire to the team that has them pumped. The SS needs some work though. He played like a little leauger last night.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:13 AM
UM vs Duke preview:
http://theuhoops.tumblr.com/post/44369189193/take-a-look-at-sportscenters-preview-of#_=_
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:16 AM
Go Hoops Go Baseball!!!! Now if we can get the football team going. I am all for the others winning, and enjoy it.....but I am intense about football winning...DUH!!! I know you all are as well....but hey winning breeds winning!!!
Cant be bad to have all the winning in the air No? Hopefully this spring will go good for us. I just went to the store to get a few things and there are some flurries going on. Now thats football weather....championship football weather!!!
Made me want to call my kids to come practice and run a bit!!! LOL
I do love cold weather ball it will build great character and determination!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:30 AM
Nick Saban talked to 2014 Michigan commit, LB Michael Ferns (local kid) yesterday. Not sure what about, but I'm sure U can imagine.
They talked for about an hour. Saban wants him at halfback. Uhh, what? Saban knows just a tad more than I do about football and developing players, but halfback?
Wow, he wants a BIG boy running the ball. Ferns, a Junior, and 4* LB out of St. Clairsville, OH is 6'3 240 lbs. Hand timed in the 40 yard dash around 4.5. Plays RB/TE/LB right now. They also split him out. All over the place.
I've seen him up close and in person, and he's every bit this big.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Michael-Ferns-137345
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpPBtJYo1ig
Has Golden checked this kid out yet?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:50 AM
Oh, Ferns is also this same kid: http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/michael-ferns-logan-thompson-selfless-act
So U know he's not just a good football player.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Ohio...do U know IF he wants to be a Cane?
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:58 AM
Ohio...do U know IF he wants to be a Cane?
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:58 AM
---------------------------------------
I haven't been able to talk to him for a little while now, so no. I know he's committed to Michigan, but he did take time to talk to Saban for an hour, so I'd say he's still open to suggestions.
LOL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 10:02 AM
I would love to know all the people who thought this was going to be a "down" year in baseball. Probably everyone who don't know jack about college baseball. Not me, I am not surprised in the least to the start and in fact I was about the only one telling people people to chill out as this is going to be a good team and by the end of year will be very good.
The Canes need to win the series in Gainesville today and take the Florida losing streak to 7 and the Miami winning streak to 11. It would great to see a possible sweep tomorrow.
Posted by: Schweaty Balls | March 02, 2013 at 10:02 AM
That picture above...was it another Gator arrest?
Posted by: TonyCane | March 02, 2013 at 10:30 AM
We just witnessed our first 15 minutes of University of Miami's spring practice.
With a considerable chill in the air (temps in the mid 50s), the Hurricanes were outside far before the 9 a.m. time that was given as the starting time (if you're on time, you're late).
Everyone seemed excited to be starting, including defensive end Anthony Chickillo and company, who began dancing to the Harlem Shake during stretching. It didn't last very long, and it was the most entertaining part of our 15 minutes. Chickillo looks like he has the moves.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2013/03/spring-practice-has-sprung-harlem-shake-crutches-and-black-jerseys.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Ohio...see what U can find out and then we will make the connection IF it appears a possibility that he is interested in Miami.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Ohio...see what U can find out and then we will make the connection IF it appears a possibility that he is interested in Miami.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 10:47 AM
-----------------------------------------
Done. Checking ASAP
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 10:53 AM
86, I didn't get "confirmation", but a text I just got (Not from Ferns himself):
Me: Some guys I talk to down in Florida want to know if Mike would consider going to UM?
Response: I am sure all options are open.
Like I said, not confirmation, but it's something for now.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 11:15 AM
OMG! The gator in that picture is just frightening. He is huge!!
Posted by: CGNC | March 02, 2013 at 11:23 AM
VA Cane we had a some snow here this morning too but its ending now. Not cold enough for it to really stick, its about 35
Posted by: CGNC | March 02, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Miami hoops is ALL over ESPN this AM. First they featured Larranaga and then Larkin. The Game Day crew are giving UM major props for trashing Duke earlier this year.
This is HUGE for recruiting, I mean HUGE!
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Malcolm Lewis at practice in a Yellow jersey.
Good to hear this kid's on/near the field.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 12:17 PM
The hoops team has to play with passion because they will not get any calls and coach K is going to try and beat us by 50! Baseball team keep it rolling.
Posted by: Canesteeler | March 02, 2013 at 12:20 PM
If Miami wins this game by a single possession final, do they move up to #1 in the AP poll when it's next released? What do you think?
I say they will barely miss out, like a two or three first place vote margin to Gonzaga even though UM deserves 1st place with any victory due to the difference in schedule strength comparing the ACC to WCC or whatever the hell they play in for a league.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | March 02, 2013 at 01:05 PM
If Miami wins this game by a single possession final, do they move up to #1 in the AP poll when it's next released? What do you think?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | March 02, 2013 at 01:05 PM
If that happens U better call 911 because CaneSteeler and I will not be able to handle a last second win or loss against Duke today. So much is on the line today that I have not felt like this in a long, long time.
Of course I believe the Canes will win (I almost ALWAYS do) but right now I don't care if we win or lose just don't let it be a last second shot for the game by EITHER team. My heart cannot handle it even when properly lubricated with vodka and beer.
Please I am begging U!
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 01:32 PM
Hmmmmm, Figueroa in a black jersey already...
Sounds like LOF material to me.
Posted by: CaneRock | March 02, 2013 at 01:42 PM
http://youtu.be/Kw6ZG860mbI. ANOTHER GATOR BITES THE DUST!!!
Posted by: canezilla | March 02, 2013 at 02:20 PM
86 you are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo correct!
Posted by: canesteeler | March 02, 2013 at 02:31 PM
86 you are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo correct!
Posted by: canesteeler | March 02, 2013 at 02:31 PM
Trust me, I know, I know...LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 02:42 PM
Rock...so U are going with Crawford and Figueroa?
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 02:43 PM
FOR ROACHCANE77'S EYES ONLY:
Miami's spring practice schedule features four sessions prior to Spring Break (March 10-16). The Canes will return to GreenTree for a Sunday session at 9 a.m., followed by practices Tuesday and Thursday before the break.
Miami's first spring scrimmage will take place March 23 at Traz-Powell Stadium.
Naples High School will be the site of Miami's second spring scrimmage April 5.
Those events will be followed by the annual Spring Game on April 13 at Sun Life Stadium.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 02:46 PM
Kiri...This young UM baseball team is an exciting bunch. Thompson has brought a football type of fire to the team that has them pumped. The SS needs some work though. He played like a little leauger last night.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 09:13 AM
LOL. This is the kind of commentary you don't get in other places. Let's hope he toughens up!
Posted by: KiriJax | March 02, 2013 at 02:48 PM
Jersey color is currently based off UTough performance. If U remember, Spencer Whipple was in a black jersey this time of year.
Not saying anything against Figs, just giving some perspective.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 03:14 PM
FOR ROACHCANE77'S EYES ONLY:
Naples High School will be the site of Miami's second spring scrimmage April 5.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 02:46 PM
SWEET! I'll be there!
Posted by: roachcane77 | March 02, 2013 at 03:57 PM
Canes did not open as Favorites tonight at Cameron. This should not shock anyone (except OGV). : )
Home court plays such a major role in college bball. Duke was a 5 pt dog at UVa this week but is a 7pt favorite over the canes.
Posted by: BEERicane | March 02, 2013 at 04:31 PM
Rock...so U are going with Crawford and Figueroa?
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 02:43 PM
SOUP...Crawford, don't know enough about Him YET to make a determination.
Figueroa, I'm just impressed that He's black jersied up being that He just got here in January. I think Howard and Bush got BJs as freshman, but those guys were highly coveted recruits.
Oh, and PS, I'm changing my comparison of Figueroa from Terry, to DP52. Mmmmmm hmmmmm LOL!
Posted by: CaneRock | March 02, 2013 at 04:31 PM
BEER...Cameron is going to be BEYOND crazy tonight. They are gonna blow the roof off that place, and I mean literally! If Canes win it will go down in the record books as THE biggest win in the history of the UM basketball porogram. EVER!
And that is not ocver-stating things AT ALL.
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 04:33 PM
SWEET! I'll be there!
Posted by: roachcane77 | March 02, 2013 at 03:57 PM
As will I. U wearing Canespace?
Posted by: 86Cane | March 02, 2013 at 04:34 PM
Jersey color is currently based off UTough performance. If U remember, Spencer Whipple was in a black jersey this time of year.
Not saying anything against Figs, just giving some perspective.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 02, 2013 at 03:14 PM
Ohio_Cane...True that, but I still think it's imnpressive that a freshman came in as an EE, and is in this good of conditioning. We'll see.
Posted by: CaneRock | March 02, 2013 at 04:34 PM
Rock: "I think Howard and Bush got BJs as freshman"
^^^^ LMAO!!!!!! I bet they did!
Posted by: BEERicane | March 02, 2013 at 04:34 PM
I agree completely, 86. Canes need to survive the first 8 min (to the under 12 TO) to have a shot to shock the Crazies tonight.
Posted by: BEERicane | March 02, 2013 at 04:36 PM
Rock: "I think Howard and Bush got BJs as freshman"
^^^^ LMAO!!!!!! I bet they did!
Posted by: BEERicane | March 02, 2013 at 04:34 PM
HAHAAAAA!
Yeah, what goes on on the 7th Floor, STAYS!, on the 7th Floor. LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | March 02, 2013 at 04:36 PM
Ohio_Cane, which one of the '13 recruits, do you see making an immediate impact.
Posted by: CaneRock | March 02, 2013 at 04:40 PM