Miami Completes The Comeback In Walk-Off Fashion In J.D. Arteaga's Debut 8-7
It was a rollercoaster first game of the season, but Miami came up when it mattered most and walked away with the win 8-7.
In J.D. Arteaga's first game as head coach of the Hurricanes, Miami rallied from down two after a disastrous fourth and fifth inning stretch as catcher Carlos Perez walked it off in the bottom of the ninth to seal the deal.
Freshman Daniel Cuvet started off the ninth inning rally, as freshman Antonio Jimenez came in to pinch run for the final run of the night. Coach Arteaga praised newcomers like Cuvet for their composure in such a big game, and he delivered a crucial hit.
A WALK OFF AT THE LIGHT. Catcher Carlos Perez hits a base knock to walk off in the ninth 8-7@AllHurricanes pic.twitter.com/0A7G8mZz3W
— Liam Willerup (@theleftyliam) February 17, 2024
For a game that looked like it was in Miami's control through the first three innings, Miami's starter Gage Ziehl didn't allow a baserunner during that stretch with six strikeouts. However, it took at turn for the worse in the fourth and fifth innings.
Ziehl won't be able to put a stop to this inning, as J.D. Arteaga comes out to put an end to his night. A fall from grace in his first start of the season ending with 7 ER. Ziehl's ERA sits at 13.40 after his 4.2 innings
— Liam Willerup (@theleftyliam) February 17, 2024
Across that two inning stretch, Ziehl allowed seven runs as it looked like Miami was going to throw the game away. However the bullpen came in and clutched up, not allowing a run across four and a third innings pitched.
Leading the way for Miami was Dorian Gonzalez Jr., who's three RBIs all came from his bases clearing double in the first inning. Sophomores Blake Cyr and Lorenzo Carrier both added solo shots on the night as well, with Cyr adding another run with a sacrifice fly in bottom of the second.
Leading the way for the Highlanders was right field Kevin Putsky, as his three RBIs all came from his three run shot in the top of the fourth inning. NJIT center fielder Albert Choi also had a home run, a solo shot in the top of the fourth. However, their offense didn't get a run past the fifth inning as their pitching couldn't keep Miami silent.
Miami continues the series against NJIT at 2:00 PM tomorrow with the first game of the double-header in this four game weekend series.
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You can find Liam on Twitter @theleftyliam where he shares news on University of Miami basketball and football as well as opinions