Brian Van Belle overcame injuries and three years in junior college to get to the mound inside Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field on Sunday.
All of the obstacles were worth the wait, as the redshirt junior turned in a brilliant debut and earned his first win as a Hurricane. Van Belle struck out five and allowed just five hits over six shutout innings to help the Hurricanes (3-0) secure a sweep over Rutgers (0-3) with a 9-3 victory on Sunday afternoon.
"I feel like my fastball was working really well," Van Belle said. "I kept it too high and I'd like to keep it lower. Other than that, I just tried to get quick contact and keep a fast tempo."
Van Belle was matched by Rutgers starter Tevin Murray over the first 2.2 innings of the game, as the junior lefty held Miami hitless in its first trip through the batting order. But back-to-back doubles from Tony Jenkins and Anthony Vilar ended the no-hit bid and the shut out, as Vilar's shot to the leftfield wall pushed Jenkins around to score.
One batter later, Rutgers third baseman Carmen Sclafani threw a ball away trying to retire Freddy Zamora at first. Instead of ending the inning, Zamora ran all the way to third and Vilar scored from second to put Miami up, 2-0. Vilar finished the weekend 7-for-11 (.636) with four doubles, eight runs scored and four RBI.
Two innings later, Miami chased Murray from the game when it loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth. Vilar sparked the rally with a two-out base hit, while Zamora walked and Adrian Del Castillo was hit by a pitch before Murray was replaced by freshman right-hander Garrett French. The reliever threw a 1-2 wild pitch to the backstop that allowed Vilar to score and give the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead.
"Del Castillo has been special from Day 1, so we all knew that," head coach Gino DiMare said. "I was really, really impressed and certainly happy to see Vilar swing the bat. We faced some lefties and these guys hit off some lefties where they stayed in there and drove the ball the other way, which is a great sign for hitters."
Let's Go CANES! SWEEP!!!
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 19, 2019 at 06:48 PM
2
Posted by: nemo2002 | February 19, 2019 at 07:25 PM
We are not paying above a 100 dollars per ticket because we can simply go to Twin Peaks and have a good time and call it a Day.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 19, 2019 at 04:48 PM
U got that right!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2019 at 09:12 PM
We ALL know that the Canes are going to be Da Gatahs 34-13 anyway so what's the big deal?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2019 at 09:15 PM
Yes Sir 86.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 19, 2019 at 09:54 PM
The avg ticket price for the Duke vs UNC basketball game is $2,673...amateur my azz
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 20, 2019 at 09:00 AM
I am sorry according to Stubhub it's $4,670...
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 20, 2019 at 09:05 AM
Average
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 20, 2019 at 09:05 AM
according to stubhub, the best value for Miami vs Florida is lower sideline 132 for a measly $494.99 a piece.
Posted by: raizecane | February 20, 2019 at 09:42 AM
Do you know how many rounds of Vodka I can buy Soup for that price?? Lets just say he wouldn't make it till halftime.
Posted by: raizecane | February 20, 2019 at 09:43 AM
Hell, forget the vodka, we could buy the girls on that boat for the price of 10 tickets?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 20, 2019 at 09:59 AM
Talk about value!.... Spent all my money on beer, boats and broads.... The rest I just wasted!
Dem Canes!!!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM
BTW I booked the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld for Labor Day Weekend. Now the Breakfast does not come included but it is 40 Dollars Cheaper Than The Hampton Inn over the weekend or saving 20 dollars a night Hell we can get breakfast cheaper than 20 dollars daily lol. But I have Both Hotels Booked. Mark you territory on Rooms, I will cancel all rooms not spoken for by Friday August 16th.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 20, 2019 at 11:02 AM
Thanks Terrance!
Posted by: NativeCane | February 20, 2019 at 11:15 AM
Native AnyTime Brotha!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 20, 2019 at 11:19 AM
Go Canes
What were tickets going for on UM website?
Posted by: KYcane | February 20, 2019 at 01:01 PM
#Canes commits in new Rivals 250:
WR Bryan Robinson (77 - moved up 37 spots) and
Don Chaney Jr. (89 - up 7 spots)
Samuel Aneale (102)
Dominic Mamarelli (221)
Jaiden Francois (239)
Tre'Von Riggins (242)
6 of 9 commits are on the list, and all are from the State of Florida. We will see if the staff can keep them committed. There are others who are current targets, such as QB Carson Beck in at 83 (previously unranked).
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | February 20, 2019 at 01:19 PM
Thanks BWC1.
Posted by: nemo2002 | February 20, 2019 at 03:20 PM
Big windy
I think Francois is going to get a huge jump in the rankings - Jmo
Posted by: AeroCane | February 20, 2019 at 04:19 PM
Posted by: KYcane | February 20, 2019 at 01:01 PM
Lower bowl started at $100 and went as high as $250 the closer you got to midfield.
I ended up with lower bowl endzone because their website not working properly for an hour.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 20, 2019 at 05:40 PM
I forgot to add DT Willie Moise, who was not rated and now is ranked #209.
7 of 9 Canes commits ranked in the top 250.
Posted by: BigWindyCane | February 20, 2019 at 06:53 PM
Aero,
a player from Dade with 12 interceptions has to be good, but Francois SPARQ score wasn’t elite, so I think that plays a role in determining his ranking.
Posted by: BigWindyCane | February 20, 2019 at 07:32 PM
Go Canes
What were tickets going for on UM website?
Posted by: KYcane | February 20, 2019 at 01:01 PM
https://hurricanesports.com/documents/2019/1/25/UM_vs_UF_Pricing_Map_1_24_19.pdf
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 20, 2019 at 08:51 PM
Canes up 10-4 Top of 8th against FAU. Looks like the Canes might have bats this year! This might be a fun year! FAU is 3-0 so far this season.....they played a series vs. Cincinnati
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 20, 2019 at 08:55 PM
FYI....We have a huge series this weekend against the turds this weekend. All games will be televised on the SEC Network.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 20, 2019 at 08:58 PM
Don't mind my grammar!!!....LOL
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 20, 2019 at 08:58 PM
Francios's ran a 4.64 forty recently, so as good as he is at CB in high school the dude is probably going to have to play safety unless he can knock that forty time down.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 20, 2019 at 09:18 PM
Canes Beat FAU 11-4. Make the Tournament and all will be well again. Go Canes!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 20, 2019 at 09:27 PM
Not sure if anyone seen the full cut interview, but this guy is a keeper!
https://youtu.be/hpJir3A1GYs
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 20, 2019 at 10:11 PM
When UM spring practice begins in a month, here’s one of many things the coaches need to determine:
Which of the Class of 2018 players are ready for significant playing time?
Cornerbacks D.J. Ivey and Al Blades Jr. and defensive tackle Nesta Silvera displayed flashes last year, and all will be needed for larger roles.
Three freshmen who redshirted last season — cornerback-turned-striker Gilbert Frierson and cornerback Nigel Bethel — and defensive tackle Jordan Miller also will get a long look.
So will Patrick Joyner Jr., who adapted adequately to his move from linebacker to defensive end and ended up redshirting.
Then there’s safety Gurvan Hall, who appeared in 10 games — mostly on special teams — and will be in the mix to compete with Bubba Bolden, Amari Carter and Robert Knowles for playing time in the wake of the departures of seniors Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine. (Bolden isn’t yet enrolled.)
But the most intriguing of the group of second-year defensive players?
Redshirt freshman defensive end Gregory Rousseau.
He was a terror all offseason last year — collecting nine sacks in three spring scrimmages — before he sustained a fractured right ankle injury in the second game of the season, requiring season-ending surgery.
“He has a chance to be special,” defensive line coach Jess Simpson said. “But thinking about it and hoping for it is something different. We have to go do it.”
Had he not been injured, Simpson envisioned Rousseau last year playing on “the third down package for sure. When I looked at Greg, [what stood out was] his ability to gain ground on the edge and get pressure and push the pocket. His long limbs and batting balls and sacking the quarterback.”
Rousseau has a good chance to be UM’s No. 3 end, with Jon Garvin and Virginia Tech transfer Trevon Hill the likely starters. Simpson said he should be fine, health-wise, for spring ball, which begins March 19.
Silvera had 13 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in seven games and will compete with Pat Bethel, Jon Ford and Chigozie Nnoruka for two starting defensive tackle jobs.
Silvera has “really, really done well and it was cool for him to see those old guys and the way they approached their work,” Simpson said of departing seniors Gerald Willis and Tito Odenigbo.
Miller played in only one game last season (Savannah State) and remains something of a project.
Does Simpson believe he will be able to help this season?
“I want him to be able to help us,” he said. “His body is changing. His knowledge of fundamentals and schemes have changed. Super kid, great heart, wants to do things right.”
As for the four second-year cornerbacks, all will compete with freshmen Christian Williams and Te’Cory Couch for playing time alongside Trajan Bandy.
Ivey and Blades both flashed potential last season.
“Ivey played the most snaps [of the four freshmen], Blades five snaps behind him,” cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph said.
“Al came in and learned nickel and corner, which is amazing for a freshman. I look for three things. I look for a kid that will play hard and urgent, will tackle and communicate. The minute Al and DJ started communicating well, it was up to them to know their assignments going into those weeks. They shared reps going into every week.”
What unique skills do those two corners have?
With Ivey, it’s “his length; that helps him with tackling and taking the ball away and finishing big plays and going after the ball,” Rumph said.
“Al Blades can play almost any position on the field with his physicality and leadership ability and doing what he’s taught consistently every single time. They fit perfectly what we’re doing. They’re only going to get better. They’ve learned a tremendous amount of football from [departing senior] Michael Jackson.”
As for Frierson and Bethel, “Frierson redshirted so he got some good quality work and worked on his confidence and scout team,” Rumph said. “Remember, Michael Jackson went to the scout team early in his career and came back a whole other person. Nigel Bethel the same way, got some scout team work and put on 14 pounds of muscle.”
Frierson will compete with Derrick Smith Jr. for playing time behind Romeo Finley at the striker position.
▪ Former UM coach Mark Richt will make his return to UM’s campus Saturday when he works the annual All-Pro dads event. But he told organizers that he has no intention of speaking to reporters or discussing his decision to retire.
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/article226505445.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 08:35 AM
Nike’s new slogan “Just blew it”
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 08:38 AM
Florida just lost their weekday games to USF and North Florida. Hopefully, we can win the series, and I think we have a pretty good chance to do so!
Florida's lost all of their starting pitching last year, they we're the catalyst of their success the few years.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 21, 2019 at 09:28 AM
Nike’s new slogan “Just blew it”
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 08:38 AM
LOL! That kid is going to get some kind of big endorsement deal.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 21, 2019 at 09:29 AM
I wonder if I would even play college anymore if I was Zion. You will be the number one pick.
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 21, 2019 at 12:11 PM
If it's amateur it's not a job. In that case why should I show up?
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 21, 2019 at 12:12 PM
Florida just lost their weekday games to USF and North Florida.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 21, 2019 at 09:28 AM
Go Osprey .....my daughters Alma Mater
Posted by: raizecane | February 21, 2019 at 01:15 PM
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 21, 2019 at 12:11 PM
Bye Coach K.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 01:48 PM
I honestly think Coach K would understand. It would suck but it's logcial.
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 21, 2019 at 02:55 PM
Logical. You are going to be number 1. There is no 1+
Posted by: HillviewCane | February 21, 2019 at 02:57 PM
Former 5-star DE Jaelan Phillips, formerly of UCLA, announces he’s transferring to #Miami.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 08:49 PM
Former 5-star DE Jaelan Phillips, formerly of UCLA, announces he’s transferring to #Miami.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 21, 2019 at 08:49 PM
For the star gazers, the Canes got another five star. The #1 overall recruit in the class of 2017, Phillips is a 6’5” 245lbs OLB/DE, and Jess Simpson will get the most out of him like Gerald Willis III. Phillips has to sit out a year.
That transfer portal has really been a lifesaver this offseason for the Canes.
Posted by: BigWindyCane | February 21, 2019 at 09:48 PM
When you count the transfers, Miami finishes(?) the 2019 class with a successful haul:
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 11
3 Stars: 7
2 Stars: 4
Unranked: 1
Great finish by Manny and the staff.
Year 4-5 Star Players/Rest of Class
2002: 15 / 07
2003: 13 / 11
2004: 12 / 15
2005: 13 / 04
2006: 11 / 10
2007: 08 / 11
2008: 16 / 16
2009: 10 / 09
2010: 07 / 22
2011: 02 / 17
2012: 10 / 24
2013: 09 / 12
2014: 10 / 19
2015: 08 / 17
2016: 08 / 13
2017: 10 / 15
2018: 17 / 08
2019: 12 / 12
Posted by: TonyCane | February 21, 2019 at 09:48 PM
Here's the same ratio look, but with overall team numbers each year:
Year 4-5 Star Players/Rest of Roster
2006: 46 / 33
2007: 42 / 35
2008: 42 / 43
2009: 41 / 31
2010: 39 / 44
2011: 28 / 49
2012: 21 / 58
2013: 23 / 49
2014: 23 / 48
2015: 28 / 54
2016: 27 / 48
2017: 29 / 48
2018: 38 / 42
2019: 39 / 42
Posted by: TonyCane | February 21, 2019 at 09:55 PM
Need to be somewhere around mid 50's on the 4 star and above range. Think Bama had 68. Manny has them coming.
Phillips will be a big help and gives him a year to get past his contact concussion issues. To bad he has to cough up a year of eligibility.
Posted by: Herbieibis | February 21, 2019 at 11:18 PM
Can you imagine what recruiting will be like once we start winning again!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 22, 2019 at 12:30 AM
Phillips is eligible to play right away! Doesn't make sense, but maybe it has to do with a medical situation?
https://twitter.com/EndoGains/status/1098789981714333696?s=19
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 22, 2019 at 12:36 AM
He played in less than 4 games last year, so that counts as his year off. Making him eligible now.
Posted by: CaneSince1982 | February 22, 2019 at 12:53 AM
I believe that ESPN report is incorrect and he'll need a waiver to play in 2019.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | February 22, 2019 at 05:02 AM
It would be great if Phillips were immediately eligible to play. We will see what the official word is out of Coral Gables
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | February 22, 2019 at 06:46 AM
Only waiver needed is if he is looking to get the year of eligibility back (last year). I believe he is. So he will file for a medical redshirt waiver. If that is approved we get 3 years of eligibility instead of the 2 he is curt coming with. Either way he is eligible to play, providing he passes all the concussion stuff.
Posted by: CaneSince1982 | February 22, 2019 at 11:48 AM