The University of Miami baseball team clinched a series victory over George Washington on Sunday in front of 1,577 fans at Mark Light Field with a 16-3 win.
The 16 runs represent the highest offensive output the Hurricanes have generated all season.
“Everyone saw the ball well today and it was just a great team victory overall,” third baseman Ryan Braun said. “A lot of the young guys had big games and that’s important because we need everybody to contribute.”
Miami’s starter Cesar Carillo had a terrific outing, throwing six scoreless innings.
Braun had a big night, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, four RBI and his first career grand slam. Brendan Katin also contributed with two runs scored and two RBI on a 2-for-2 performance at the plate.
The Colonials’ only run of the night came in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Tom Shanley, providing the 12-1 final score.
Saturday’s game was a marked departure from the night before, with the Hurricanes finding themselves in the unusual position of squandering a ninth inning lead.
The Hurricanes lost despite an outstanding outing by starter Dan Touchet, who pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out a career-high 10 batters.
While Touchet was pleased with his performance, he was disappointedwith the loss.
“Three weeks ago I didn’t pitch very well and I got my only win of the year, so that’s baseball for you,” Touchet said. “I’ve just got to go on and keep doing my thing.”
Miami was leading 4-2 at the start of the ninth inning when reliever Danny Gil loaded the bases with no outs. It was a bunt single from the Colonials’ Joe Michalski that scored the game-winning run.
The loss shattered a 20-game home winning streak. The game also marked the first loss of Gil’s career.
“It’s disturbing because we made mental mistakes,” Miami head coach Jim Morris said. “It’s sad the way we played in the ninth inning. Our bullpen needs work too; there are a lot of times you need to go to your bullpen in the eighth and ninth inning and those guys need to get ready to pitch.”
“We just don’t give up leads like that,” he said. “It was one of the most disappointing regular-season games I’ve coached at Miami. Today was a lot better than yesterday.”
Mike Soto can be contacted at m.soto3@umiami.edu