Play On

The baseball team has mixed feelings as it heads into the next series against Maryland beginning Friday, after its series win over in-state and conference rival FSU.

The team experienced a severe blow in the last game of the series after having taken the first two games by scores of 5-3 and 5-2. The ‘Canes were unable to keep up the outstanding offensive efforts on Sunday and gave up 13 runs to the Seminoles. However, the Hurricanes managed to score one run to prevent a shut out, which would have been their first all season.

The ‘Canes were upset by the loss and disappointed at their failed attempt to sweep the series from the Seminoles, bringing down the lifted emotions of the players from the wins on Friday and Saturday.

“It was definitely one of our roughest games,” said Head Coach Jim Morris.

Despite the setback, the ‘Canes are ready to focus on what is ahead of them and prepare to adjust those imperfections that prevented a third win for the next series.

“Baseball is baseball and we didn’t play well at all [Sunday],” Morris said. “We’ve got to turn the page and work hard and get ready to play next weekend.”

The Hurricanes will be preparing for another home ACC series against the Maryland Terrapins. This will be the first meeting between Miami and Maryland as part of the ‘Canes move to the ACC.

Morris said the coaching staff will look at tape of Maryland, but they are primarily focusing on their own techniques.

“I’m more concerned about our guys more than the other guys. We need to play well and take care of business,” he said.

Maryland has had its share of struggles in the ACC, recording more losses than wins against other competitors in the conference throughout the 2004 season, ultimately finishing at 5-22 within the conference. The Terrapins are struggling to win, having experienced consecutive losses against Virginia, Clemson and North Carolina in addition to losses in most of the three-game series against other ACC clubs.

The Hurricanes have maintained their position at the top of the ACC standings and have closed the gap between themselves and Georgia Tech, the No. 1 team in the conference. The Yellow Jackets had a rough weekend, giving up all three games to Virginia. The losses could give the ‘Canes an edge that would help pave the road to Omaha.

In addition to the in-game excitement this weekend, the 1985 National Championship baseball team will be honored during the opening game. Honorees will consist of staff and players, including the College World Series MVP Greg Ellena, beginning at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Field.

Stacey Arnold can be contacted at s.arnold@umiami.edu.