Miami’s offense goes silent in 6-3 loss to Jacksonville

Junior infielder Yohandy "Yoyo" Morales runs into first base against Jacksonville University at Mark Light Field on March 8. Photo credit: Reese Putnam

Running through three pitchers before the end of the fifth inning is usually not a recipe for success, and on Wednesday afternoon, the Miami Hurricanes did exactly that. Miami’s bats fell silent at Mark Light Field in a 6-3 loss against the visiting Jacksonville University Dolphins.

The ‘Canes hit an abysmal .129 at the plate and collected a total of four hits. Freshman Blake Cyr continued to stay hot as he delivered the only pair of Miami runs that did not come off of an error.

“We were very nonchalant. We were just very quiet, going through the motions,” Miami head skipper Gino DiMare said. “When you’re coming off that series with Florida, you hope you get it out of your system.”

Jacksonville, meanwhile, tripled Miami’s hit total with 12. The floodgates broke loose in the ninth for the Dolphins.

Tied at 2-2 going into the final frame, the heart of Jacksonville’s lineup went to work.

The top-of-the-order hitters were able to get on base, and catcher Hogan McIntosh was able to collect an RBI single before Miami pitcher Ronaldo Gallo threw a wild pitch to score another. To make matters worse for the ‘Canes, Jacksonville second baseman Justin Nadeau knocked a two-RBI single to put the Dolphins up 6-2.

Gallo picked up his second loss of the year for the ‘Canes.

Dolphins starting pitcher Richard Long pitched a solid 5.1 innings, tossing over 100 pitches and striking out six ‘Canes batters.

The Dolphins were led by senior Chase Malloy, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, including a two-run shot over the left-field wall in the third. Miami starting pitcher Alejandro Torres struck out three but only ended up getting through two innings before being replaced by Ben Chestnutt.

Junior right-handed pitcher Ben Chestnut pitches the ball in attempt to get the Jacksonville University batter out with a full count at Mark Light Field on March 8.
Junior right-handed pitcher Ben Chestnut pitches the ball in attempt to get the Jacksonville University batter out with a full count at Mark Light Field on March 8. Photo credit: Reese Putnam

Miami was able to pitch its way out of jams early in the game by using a plethora of pitchers and an incredible effort by freshman pitcher Alex Walsh and sophomore Renzo Gonzalez to turn a double play on a flyout with the bases loaded in the sixth.

Miami attempted to rally for a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but it was to no avail. Carlos Perez, who pinch hit for Miami’s starting catcher Jack Scanlon, scored on an error, but it was too little too late as CJ Kayfus grounded into a double play to end the game.

The Hurricanes look to snap a two-game losing streak as they begin a three-game series at home against North Carolina State on Friday night at 7 p.m. The games will be streamed on ACC network.