The No. 24 Miami Hurricanes continued their strong start to the season Wednesday night, defeating Bethune-Cookman 5-2 at Mark Light Field behind a clutch seventh-inning rally and another steady performance from the pitching staff.
Miami improved to 11-2 on the year with the midweek victory, using timely hitting and a deep bullpen effort to secure the win as the Hurricanes prepare to open ACC play this weekend.
After a tightly contested game through six innings, Miami finally created separation in the bottom of the seventh. Daniel Cuvet started the rally with a double before Dylan Dubovik worked a walk to put two runners aboard. Derek Williams then delivered the biggest swing of the night, lining a two-run double into right field to give the Hurricanes a 4-2 lead. Williams later came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Brylan West, capping a three-run inning that proved to be the difference.
The Hurricanes manufactured their early offense with situational hitting. Miami struck first in the second inning when Brylan West reached base and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly from sophomore Fabio Peralta. Later in the fifth, Cuvet added another sacrifice fly that brought home Jake Ogden and pushed Miami back in front, 2-1.
Bethune-Cookman answered twice to keep the game tight. The Wildcats tied the score in the sixth inning when Michael Rodriguez delivered an RBI single to center field, evening the game at two before Miami’s decisive seventh-inning push.
While the offense eventually broke through, Miami’s pitching staff played a major role throughout the night. Eight different Hurricanes took the mound and combined for 11 strikeouts while allowing just six hits.
Right-hander Jake Dorn earned the win in relief, improving to 1-0 after recording two key outs in the seventh inning without allowing a run. Richmond transfer Ryan Bilka locked down the victory with a scoreless ninth inning, recording the first save of his Miami career.
Lazaro Collera also delivered an important inning of work in the eighth, working around a late walk to keep the Wildcats off the scoreboard and maintain the Hurricanes’ lead.
Miami used the midweek matchup to get multiple arms work on the mound. Tate DeRias made the start and tossed two scoreless innings while striking out three. Sebastian Santos-Olsen followed and allowed just one unearned run across two innings of work.
Although the Hurricanes left opportunities on the bases throughout the game, Miami found ways to produce when it mattered most. The Hurricanes finished 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 runners but still managed to pull away late to secure their fourth midweek victory of the season.
The game also marked the return of Miami shortstop Vance Sheahan, who was back in the lineup for the first time since Feb. 17 after missing eight games.
With the midweek win secured, Miami now shifts its focus toward conference play. The Hurricanes will open ACC competition Friday night at Mark Light Field when Boston College visits for a three-game series. First pitch for the opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will air on ACC Network Extra.
