On this week’s podcast, Sophia discusses the Centennial celebrations last week and AEPi’s 55-hour “Rockathon” fundraiser.
Another great start from Lumpkin propels Miami to a 5-4 home win versus FAU
On paper, there is no doubt that April has been a better month for the ’Canes than March. Despite the eighth inning drama, the Hurricanes continued their winning ways by defeating FAU at Mark Light Field by a score of 5-4.
The starting pitcher for the Hurricanes, Reese Lumpkin, had another great performance after his strong six-inning showing last week against Bethune-Cookman. After a nerve-racking start to his outing, giving up three hits in a row in the first inning and allowing a run, he settled in on the bump.
Lumpkin pitched a mighty seven innings of work, striking out five and allowing two runs to score on five hits, throwing 83 pitches. Despite getting the no-decision, his ERA lowered to 5.11 on the season.
For the first five innings of the game, FAU’s pitching was lights out. Freshman Joey Abbazia toed the slab for the Owls. He threw two no-hit innings and gave up one unearned run after an error by Dylan LaPointe, Abbazia’s batterymate.
Abbazia was used as an opener. FAU head coach John McCormack decided to go to the bullpen in the third. The Owls used a total of nine pitchers in the Tuesday night loss.
Miami went for 4.1 innings without a hit until Michael Torres doubled down the left field line.
Dorian Gonzalez Jr came through with a big double down the right field line in the sixth to score Max Galvin. Gonzalez Jr had two hits of Miami’s five hits on the afternoon. After six the game was tied at one apiece.
Jake Ogden contributed with a solo shot in the seventh to take the lead in the ball game.
The game heated up for both squads in the eighth inning.
After a single from FAU’s Nick Romano, Miami head coach J.D. Aretaga took the ball from Lumpkin and put it in the hands of Will Smith, who had a great outing against Duke last Sunday. In two of his three batters he faced, he gave up a triple and a double to FAU’s leadoff man Marshall Lipsey, allowing two to score. Alex Giroux replaced Smith and was able to get out of the inning, giving up one run via a sacrifice fly. FAU had a 4-3 lead.
FAU’s first four hitters in the lineup were hot, combining for six of its team’s eight hits.
In the bottom of the eighth with runners on third and second after another Gonzalez Jr double, Tanner Smith flew out to right field to score Galvin, who walked earlier in the inning. In a pinch-hitting role, Evan Taveras doubled into the right-center gap to score Gonzalez Jr. Miami took the 5-4 lead going into the ninth.
From starting pitcher now into the closing role, Brian Walters was able to get the job done, retiring the side in order.
Miami moves its win streak to three in a row. They will stay at home to face No. 14 Georgia Tech in a big weekend series. The first game of the series is set of Friday at 8 p.m. and will air on ACC Network.
Local prospect Dante Allen commits to Miami
Jai Lucas has made his first big flip of the offseason, as Montverde Academy four-star guard Dante Allen has committed to Miami. Just under a month ago, Allen was committed to playing for the Villanova Wildcats, but due to their recent changes at head coach, he reopened his recruitment. Now, after a visit on Sunday, Allen has committed to Miami as the first high school recruit of Jai Lucas’ tenure.
Allen, a top-100 player in the 2025 class, according to all major recruiting services, is one of the winningest players in all of high school basketball. Boasting two Florida State Championships and three Nike EYBL Championships, he brings a much-needed winning pedigree to Miami.
As a senior, Allen averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for Monteverde, one of the nation’s powerhouse programs. He profiles as a combo guard standing at 6-foot-3 with a wingspan of 6-foot-7 with the ability to play both on and off of the ball.
But more than anything, he brings great intangibles and a feel for the game. Adam Finklestein of 247Sports wrote, “Overall, there just aren’t too many players in the country who are more consistently productive or able to impact winning to the same extent. He’s long, powerful, physical, skilled, extremely versatile, and a true stat stuffer. Additionally, he has a wealth of intangibles because he’s smart, competitive, and verbal.”
As Lucas continues to build his program, players like Allen with a winning pedigree, grit on defense and high basketball IQ are going to be crucial in setting the culture of Miami.
Allen already has several connections on the team. New Hurricanes assistant coach Andrew Moran coached Allen back on the EYBL circuit with Nightrydas Elite. And Miami’s two transfers, Tre Donaldson and Malik Reneau, are products of the grassroots program as well. Allen even played against Donaldson as a freshman in high school when Donaldson beat Allen’s team for the state title in 2022.
In an interview with InsidetheU, Allen spoke highly of his new teammate. “But I think the one thing that’s definitely followed him is that he’s tough. I think that’s the one thing you can never take away from…. I think that definitely is a factor, and it passes on to the rest of the teammates, and it shows them that they’re like, If I’m going to be a leader, I’m going to bring this intensity, and everybody better bring it with me.”
And that seems to be the throughline about all of Lucas’ additions: toughness. Formerly Duke’s defensive mastermind, it seems that the ’Canes will try to hang their hat on defense and build from there. Setting a culture of grit and hard work above all, Miami needs to continue to fill out this roster with size and depth, and as the offseason continues, JaiLucas seems to be on the right track to set Miami up for success next year.
With love from a grateful ’Cane
As the University of Miami celebrates its Centennial, I find myself reflecting not only on the extraordinary legacy of this institution, but also on the quiet, indelible ways it has shaped the contours of my own life.
For 100 years, the University of Miami has stood as more than just an academic institution. It has been a catalyst for transformation — of individuals, of communities and of an entire city. Its influence radiates outward, visible in the rise of Miami from a once-quiet coastal outpost to a dynamic, global metropolis — one defined by culture, commerce and connectivity. In many ways, the U has been the soul of this evolution: an anchor of intellectual rigor, a beacon for talent across the hemisphere and a bridge between Miami and the world.
But for me, the U has always meant something more personal — more intimate. It is woven into the very fabric of my life’s story. I was raised in an immigrant household, modest in means, but abundant in love, resilience and ambition. Growing up, I passed by the University of Miami with a quiet reverence. It stood like a citadel of dreams, nestled among the lush canopies of Coral Gables. I never knew if someone like me would ever have a place within its gates.
And yet, one spring day, everything changed. A thick envelope arrived in the mail — an acceptance letter that would alter the course of my life. That letter didn’t simply mark my entry into higher education; it was a recognition of potential. It told a young Cuban American kid that he belonged. That he was seen. That he could claim space in the rooms where futures are imagined, where leadership is cultivated and where purpose begins to take shape.
The years I spent at the University of Miami were transformative. Within its classrooms and among its community, I found my voice. I sharpened my mind. I began to understand that education was not just about knowledge, but about agency and the ability to shape one’s own future, to serve others and to create meaningful change. That sense of purpose, born at the U, gave me the confidence to pursue even more ambitious goals: to earn a master’s degree from Harvard University, to work at the intersection of public service and global affairs and to live a life animated by service, impact, and meaning.
The University of Miami threads through every chapter of my personal and professional story. It instilled in me the values that have guided my career, and the self-belief that has sustained me in moments of challenge. It taught me to lead with curiosity, conviction and compassion. In many ways, it gave me the foundation to dream beyond my circumstances and the courage to pursue those dreams unapologetically.
As the University now steps into its second century, it does so as a proud hemispheric institution — one that continues to propel Miami forward with open arms and an expansive heart. Its reach is global, its vision is bold and its commitment to inclusivity and excellence remains steadfast.
To the University of Miami, thank you. Thank you for seeing me, for shaping me and for reminding me that who we are and who we may yet become are closer than we think—so long as someone believes.
Here’s to 100 years of transformation — and to the many lives you’ve changed, including mine.
David Saul Acosta is the Executive Assistant and Special Projects Coordinator for Michael Simkins, Co-Founder and Partner of E11EVEN Miami and CEO & President of Lion Development Group. A proud graduate of the University of Miami, David earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before completing his Master’s degree at Harvard University, where he focused on international relations and American foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. David’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to public service and a vision for building a more inclusive Miami — one where opportunity and progress are within reach for all.
What Republicans need to do to maintain a majority in Congress
Following the 2024 election, Republicans have a “trifecta government,” or a majority in both chambers of Congress and the presidency. However, the majority is slim. Currently the Republicans hold 220 seats in the House of Representatives, just two more than the minimum required. In Senate, they maintain an eight-seat advantage over the Democrats.
With that in mind, there are three steps the GOP should follow to maintain their majority.
- Ditch Musk
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been at President Donald Trump’s side since the end of the Republican National Convention last year. Musk used his wealth and influence to sway voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia.
Following his victory in the 2024 election, Musk stood by the president, reportedly even sleeping at Mar-a Lago (the president’s private estate) and even having a say in cabinet picks. Musk was also appointed by Trump to be the head of a new federal “department,” the Department of Government Efficiency, more commonly known as DOGE. Although it’s referred to as a department, it isn’t an official federal department, as Congress would need to establish that through legislation.
In this role, Musk has not only cut back on federal spending and funding, but also eliminated jobs across several departments and sent memos to the heads of the departments to keep employees in line and productive. Additionally, his attendance at several cabinet meetings, rare for someone who is not a cabinet member or cabinet level official, has sparked controversy. This has led Democrats to call him “President Musk” in reference to his undue influence over the administration. The New York Times has alleged that Musk has caused tension in the administration. Particularly last month, when Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had an altercation, leading to Trump defending Rubio and calling Musk out.
While several news outlets have indicated that Musk will soon take a step back from his duties in the administration, an earlier departure will benefit both Republicans in Congress and the GOP success in the 2028 presidential election.
Musk’s undue influence combined with bad PR leaves him with low approval ratings compared to other members of the Trump administration. Democrats could use this as an opportunity to attack Republicans as “weak” or under the control of an elitist billionaire.
- Pass Legislation
While it is completely within the President’s authority and right to sign executive orders, it is not a good look. Whenever a president signs an order they are oftentimes not only challenged by the opposite party — they are also challenged in court.
Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration are a good example. When the president evoked the Alien and Sedition acts to deport illegal aliens, Democrats in congress immediately challenged the president. Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin and three other congressional Democrats wrote a letter in which they called the president’s actions “troubling and misguided interpretation of the Constitution.”
The courts have also challenged Trump on these orders, most notably James Boasberg— a US district court judge for DC. Boasberg placed a two-week pause on deportations but the administration would challenge him back and is still in an ongoing conflict with the judge. Boasberg has even warned that he could hold Trump officials in contempt of court for moving ahead on deportation despite his order.
However, these kinds of challenges are usually par for the course when it comes to presidential power.
For example, in 2014, President Barack Obama issued a series of executive orders called “Immigration Accountability Executive Actions” that were meant to reform the immigration system. However, it was viewed as the president basically walking around congress to change the system.
Leading to a 4-4 decision by the supreme court which voided the orders. While Obama was disappointed with the decision made by the court, House Speaker Paul Ryan praised the decision— stating that the court “vindicated” Article I of the constitution.
Congress is the body that is responsible for legislation hitting the president’s desk. While there have been some legislative victories for the president, such as the passage of the Laken Riley Act and a bill overturning an old IRS rule on cryptocurrency, a handful of legislation is not good enough for the GOP to sway voters maintain its majority.
- Keep Mike Johnson
Being speaker of the House has not been an easy job in recent years. In 2023, Kevin McCarthy — then the House majority leader — had to go through 18 rounds of voting in and some serious negotiating with more “MAGA” Republicans in the House in order to become speaker.
Despite this, he was voted out as Speaker eight months later and ultimately left Congress. An additional two days of voting in September of that year led to Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson receiving the speaker’s gavel. However, more right-wing members have not enjoyed his tenure as speaker.
Johnson has often broken from members of his own party and worked with Democrats during his tenure to get legislation passed. When time came to vote for speaker in January of this year, Johnson’s support was wavering. Many thought he was too soft to be speaker; however, Trump endorsed Johnson the day before the voting took place.
In the first round of voting, Johnson fell three votes shy of becoming speaker, which led to tense negotiation with the outliers to change their vote so Johnson could have the gavel once again.
Johnson is a pragmatic figure in these tense political times and one who can, if needed, extend his hand across the aisle, as he did many times with President Joe Biden and other Democrats to get important legislation passed. Not only does keeping Johnson as speaker ensure a continuity of government but also ensure that public perception of a divided party is calmed.
The political conversation we’ve been avoiding
As UM celebrates its 100th anniversary, it stands at a crossroads — a moment to honor the past while shaping the next century. Meanwhile, as President Trump’s second-term 100-day milestone unfolds, another pivotal moment takes shape. The years ahead call for UM to embrace a new role: fostering meaningful, bipartisan political dialogue on campus. It’s time for us to finally have the talk — the political conversation we’ve been dodging for too long.
Recent events highlight the growing political polarization on college campuses, with universities themselves often deepening the divide rather than bridging it. Last fall, The Rat closed early on Election Day, and student organizations such as Republi-Canes, UDems, and POL 401’s Election class followed, canceling their own watch parties.
Between the massive polarization lingering from the previous election and the crickets on campus, the administration must collaborate with students to find ways to support positive bipartisan conversation at UM. Without this conversation, we as a student body fail to confront the disease of our time, which is uncomfortable situations without the important discussions they deserve. A powerful starting point lies in the classroom, where open forums foster open discussion.
Universities embody a space where open discussion is at the heart of learning by fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives, encourages critical thinking and promotes respectful dialogue. But too often, teachers shy away from these discussions. Even in my political science classes, professors tiptoe around sensitive topics. As leaders, mentors and role models, this sends a message to students that it’s not appropriate to discuss politics, creating a harmful social norm where we shy away from uncomfortable but necessary discussions.
It’s actually more difficult when politics are not talked about. According to the Pew Research Center, 85% of people say that political discourse has become more negative, as well as less respectful, less fact-based, and less focused on real-world issues.
This is harmful because discourse is where solutions are created and implemented. More teachers are trying to combat this lack of discourse through the implementation of graded discussions in courses like Professor Matthew Nelson’s POL 201 Introduction to American Politics class. These “Harkness Discussions” challenge students to engage critically with both the course material and current political events through incentives.
However, bipartisan dialogue shouldn’t be confined to the classroom. Groups like the Republi-Canes and UDems can work together to host events where professors, experts and students engage in thoughtful discussion about contemporary political issues. By making these conversations more visible and accessible, UM can encourage a more engaged and informed student body.
The Hanley Democracy Center (HDC), established in 2021, is already making strides in promoting bipartisan engagement and fostering democratic participation on campuses and youth in general. The center organizes events such as book talks and invites political advocates from across the spectrum to engage with students. Recent guests include Senator Ron Wyden and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
One of the most exciting initiatives from the HDC is the Civic Synergy Program, which encourages students to engage in bipartisan discussions and formulate solutions to local issues. This semester’s topic, housing affordability, challenges students to collaborate across political lines to address one of Miami-Dade’s most pressing concerns. Students have the opportunity to make a real-world impact by presenting their final proposals to local congressional members and leaders, honing their skills in critical thinking and problem-solving.
These discussions offer a platform for students to air their views and create an environment where it is not only acceptable to share differing opinions but encouraged. By making these discussions a formal part of the academic experience, students are pushed to articulate and defend their ideas, thus fostering a space for respectful debate.
As the University of Miami enters its next 100 years, we have an incredible opportunity to lead the charge in promoting civil discourse. By creating spaces for bipartisan discussions, both inside and outside the classroom, we can help to build a more united and productive society. The time for the political conversation we’ve been avoiding has come — let’s rise to the occasion.
AEPi hosts 55-hour “Rockathon” fundraiser, revolutionizes Greek Life philanthropy at UM
“I can’t believe I feel this good. I feel like a million dollars right now,” said Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Chris Genovese in his 50th consecutive hour of ‘rocking.’
In AEPi’s inaugural “Rockathon,” benefitting the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, Genovese sat in a rocking chair on the Foote Green outside of Richter Library for a whopping 55 hours without a break. He sat from 11:17pm on Thursday, April 3 to 6:17pm on Saturday, April 5.
For Genovese, the cause is personal. His grandfather, Ronald Lenzo, lost his life to blood cancer. “His birthday was the 17th of June, so ‘getting up’ at 6:17 is symbolic of him and his legacy,” Genovese said.
Genovese declined to comment on the toll that 55 consecutive hours of sitting took on his body. “I’ve got the best team of people supporting me, mentally, physically, emotionally … with food, water and company,” he said.
Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a non-profit organization that facilitates blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients battling blood cancer. UM’s Gift of Life ambassadors were on-site at Rockathon on Thursday and Friday, swabbing almost 300 students and faculty. Those swabbed will enter the registry and become eligible to donate these life-saving cells if and when they ‘match’ with a blood cancer patient.
AEPi’s first-ever Rockathon raised over $53,000 for Gift of Life.
The more than two-day fundraiser featured a plethora of activities that kept energy high, including a petting zoo, food vendors, performances by UM club dance teams and student bands, a body-building competition and a yoga class.
“We’re changing the culture around frat philanthropy [at UM]. A lot of fraternities just do it to ‘check a box.’ We’re making it something more meaningful than that,” said Jordan Katz, a sophomore majoring in biology and serving as AEPI’s Co-Chair of Philanthropy.
“The outpouring of support from the campus community has been incredible,” said Jimmy Koch, a junior majoring in biology and serving as Philo Co-Chair. “We keep seeing the same people walk by, come up and chat with Chris, cheer him on. It’s really special to witness.”
“Every person who got swabbed … enters the registry and down the line and might have the chance to donate bone marrow or stem cells and save someone’s life,” said Katz. “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of.”
“Gift of Life is actually an amazing charity,” said Charlie Cohen, a junior majoring in Sports Administration and serving as AEPi’s Chapter President.
“We looked through probably 500 different charities. Me, Jimmy, and Jordan decided that Gift of Life is most aligned with what we want to accomplish because you can see their impact … It feels real. They’re saving people’s lives,” said Cohen.
UM’s AEPi chapter drew inspiration for Rockathon from their brothers at the University of Missouri (“Mizzou”), who have held the event annually for over 50 years. Katz and Koch brought the plan to fruition.
“We scheduled a call with the Mizzou guys and talked to them for maybe three and a half hours that first day. We learned everything about the cause, how they fundraise, and how it became so successful,” Katz said.
When asked how Rockathon Miami would continue past Genovese’s involvement, Katz said, “being ‘the Rocker’ is the highest honor you could have at [AEPi] Mizzou – higher than president, higher than social chair, higher than any E-Board position. Hopefully, now that we have the first Rockathon under our belts, there’ll be like five or six guys volunteer to be the Rocker next year.”
“It’s been extremely worthwhile and I’m glad I did it,” said Genovese. “I would do it again, but I would like to pass it onto a younger guy. A younger fella.”
Miami baseball steals series from Blue Devils with thrilling 8-6 victory
The bats were certainly hot for Hurricanes Baseball on Sunday afternoon at Mark Light Field, as it pulled off an 8-6 win over the Duke Blue Devils. After having a split series from Friday and Saturday’s games, Miami came to the field with one thing in mind: winning.
The ’Canes started off slightly rocky on the defensive side, giving up a single from Duke lefty AJ Gracia. Duke (24-14, 9-9 ACC) then added fuel to the fire with a home run to right center from junior Tyler Albright, giving him 2 RBIs and making the first dent in the score.
After some offensive struggles for Miami (20-17, 6-9 ACC), junior Jake Ogden found a gap in the defense and singled out to center field. Ogden’s time on base was short, though, as he got caught attempting to steal third on Fabio Peralta’s failed bunt for the second out of the inning.
All hope seemed to be lost until third baseman Daniel Cuvet stepped up to the plate and homered with a bomb to left center that put the ’Canes on the scoreboard.
With the fans energized from the fourth inning, Duke quickly answered Miami with a single and triple that added two runs to their score, giving the Hurricanes a challenge that would be quickly answered in the bottom of the fifth.
Miami put on a fiery fifth inning on the offensive end of the field, fueled by Dorian Gonzalez Jr.’s single and continued by Evan Taveras’ homer, Tanner Smith’s single and Cuvet’s double, as well as two walks. The Hurricanes took a 6-4 lead that changed the trajectory of the game.
While Duke tied the score 6-6 in the top of the sixth inning with a two-run homer from Jake Berger, UM fired back with a home run in the sixth and another in the eighth from Gonzalez to put it back in the lead.
Much of Miami’s success came from the pitching mound, as freshman Tate DeRias pitched more than four innings and only gave up four earned runs. Following DeRias’ success, Carson Fischer and Will Smith took the mound before closer Brian Walters finished off the game with three easy outs. Smith also had a victory of his own, as he threw his 100th career strikeout.
The ’Canes look to continue their win streak as they face FAU on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at home.
UM is more than designer bags and boat parties
The University of Miami is often viewed through a single lens, one shaped by influencers and glamorous social media posts. From viral TikToks starring Alix Earle to fraternity sweethearts like Sydney Sweeney and Abella Danger to Lamborghinis parked outside dorms, it’s easy to get caught up in the flashy social media image of our school.
Just because we enjoy the beach and going out doesn’t mean we’re not serious about our academics. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. Behind the social media clips of yachts, rooftop parties, and day-in-the-life vlogs, UM students are doing meaningful work on campus and in the community.
Nonprofit chapters at UM like StudentsCare, Habitat for Humanity, Camp Kesem and Students Together Ending Poverty (STEP) reflect what it really means to be a ’Cane: showing up for others. From supporting pediatric patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital to tackling food insecurity in Miami, these students are putting in time and heart to create real, lasting impact.
UM is also home to one of the nation’s most respected medical institutions. The University of Miami Health System is a leading cancer facility and teaching hospital where future doctors train alongside top specialists, blending expert care with groundbreaking research.
The drive for excellence doesn’t stop at medicine. In 2023, UM was invited to join the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of top research institutions in North America. This milestone reinforces UM’s growing impact not only in the region but across the country and around the world.
Whether students are volunteering locally in South Florida or contributing to global service projects, the school promotes leadership, civic engagement, community-based research and hands-on partnerships that connect students with real-world issues.
“Going home after seeing the impact just two hours of your day can have on a child who is hospitalized is something every person should experience,” said Samira Kethu, a senior majoring in microbiology and immunology and a volunteer with StudentsCare.
The University of Miami is also a creative hub in South Florida, bringing together talented students and professional artists, performers and historians.
The university regularly hosts cultural events like student-led theater productions at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, exhibitions at the Lowe Art Museum and live performances by Frost School of Music ensembles. These events reflect the energy, talent and diversity of the campus. With a strong focus on the arts, UM plays an active role in shaping South Florida’s cultural scene and giving students real platforms to create and perform.
It’s a shame that things like these are getting drowned out by frat parties, tailgates, and viral TikToks. It makes you wonder: are students coming to UM for what really matters, or just for the lifestyle? With influencers like Alix Earle boosting the spotlight, are we attracting students for the right reasons or just the most visible ones?
To be fair, UM’s own social media feeds the influencer-fueled narratives. The memes and TikToks that dominate the @univmiami Instagram page are fun, but they tend to highlight the glam and aesthetic over the substance.
Aidan La France, a freshman majoring in Psychology and Community and Applied Psychological studies and secretary for Habitat for Humanity organization, shared how frustrating this label is.
“We’re obviously known as a party school, but getting into UM isn’t easy,” he said, pointing to the university’s 19% acceptance rate, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
A lot of the superficial stereotype surrounding UM also comes from the assumption that everyone here is rich. But personality isn’t defined by a price tag, and it’s unfair to overlook someone’s substance just because they show up in luxury brands.
At the end of the day, UM earns its party reputation, but it’s not the whole story.
Being a ’Cane isn’t just about looking the part. It’s about showing up, standing out and proving there’s a lot more to this school and its students than meets the eye.
Bullpen heroics lead the way as Miami forces rubber match against Duke, winning 5-4
On a pitcher-esque Saturday night at Mark Light Field, Max Galvin’s sixth inning RBI single and 5.1 innings of dominance by the Miami Hurricanes bullpen was enough for UM to beat the Duke Blue Devils 5-4
In the top of the ninth with a one run lead, Miami head coach J.D. Arteaga kept former Sunday starter Brian Walters on the mound to close the game.
After getting two outs on 12 pitches, Walters got Wallace Clark to strike out swinging on an offspeed pitch in the dirt, sending the fans at the Light home happy.
Following the departure of starting pitcher AJ Ciscar in the fourth inning, Arteaga called on graduate student Alex Giroux and Walters to get the remaining 16 outs.
In 3.1 innings of work, Giroux allowed one run on three hits, striking out four batters. Walters took over in the eighth, pitching two scoreless innings and tabbing his first save of the season.
Tied at four in the sixth inning, Miami catcher Tanner Smith singled and was awarded second on a wild throw by Clark. The next pitch, redshirt junior Max Galvin laced a base hit up the middle, scoring Smith to take a 5-4 lead.
The freshman Ciscar toed the slab in Coral Gables for the Hurricanes. In 3.2 innings of work, the St. Thomas Aquinas High School product surrendered three runs on four hits, walking two batters.
After three solid innings of work, the Westin, Fla. native faltered in the fourth. After hitting third baseman Ben Miller, Ciscar allowed three consecutive singles, putting the Blue Devils on the board.
Following an RBI fielder’s choice from Macon Winslow, designated hitter Sam Harris reached on a line drive that went through the legs of Miami shortstop Jake Ogden, bringing in the third runner of the inning.
In the fifth, Duke’s Tyler Albright hit an RBI single to left field, bringing AJ Gracia home from second and tying the score at four.
The Hurricanes struck first in the second. On a 1-1 count, senior outfielder Derrick Williams hit a 364-foot home run over the wall in left field. The outfielder’s solo shot gave UM an early 1-0 lead.
Williams left the game early after hitting himself with a foul ball in the third inning. UM trainers looked at the St.Louis, Mo. native, but let Williams finish his at-bat before pulling him in the fourth.
The Wichita State transfer has been fantastic for the Hurricanes this season, providing the most production at the plate. In 116 at-bats, Williams has a .345 batting average, leading the team in home runs with eight.
With runners on first and third, first baseman Todd Hudson singled to right field, scoring Dorian Gonzalez Jr. and Galvin, extending the Miami lead to three.
In the third, sophomore Daniel Cuvet smoked his sixth home run of the season off the scoreboard in left center field. Cuvet’s solo shot into the Miami sunset went 383 feet.
Junior starting pitcher Andrew Healy got the nod for the Blue Devils, pitching well despite a poor second inning. In five frames of work, the lefty allowed four runs on five hits, striking out five on 84 pitches. After allowing the home run to Cuvet, Healy did not give up a hit for the rest of the game.
The Hurricanes (19-17, 5-9 ACC) look to take their second ACC series of the year in the rubber match game against the Duke Blue Devils (24-13, 9-8 ACC). Freshman righty Tate DeRias will take the bump for UM, facing lefty freshman Henry Zatkowski. First pitch at Mark Light Field will begin at 1 p.m.
Miami baseball digs themselves into hole after first inning, losing 13-3 to Duke
A common occurrence in many of Miami baseball’s losses this season has been rocky first innings, and this Friday against the Duke Blue Devils was no exception. The Hurricanes got blown out by the Blue Devils 13-3 and it all started in the first inning.
Miami’s starter, junior Griffin Hugus was off his game as soon as it started. The first Duke batter got a single off him and he walked the next. However, it seemed like he was going to get out of the inning unharmed with the ’Canes getting a double play. Unfortunately for them, the next five Duke batters got on base, three of which came by way of singles and two coming by way of hit by pitches. The top of the first finally came to a close after Miami first baseman, Todd Hudson, caught a line drive that came beaming to him, but when it was all said and done, the Blue Devils were up 4-0.
UM did not start fighting back until the bottom of the third inning when redshirt junior Max Galvin led off their inning with a solo homerun to make the score 4-1. The first pitch that Blue Devil pitcher Owen Proksch threw after the homer, clunked Hudson right in the back of the helmet. Hudson eventually came in to score for the ’Canes after a single by sophomore Daniel Cuvet brought him across home plate to bring the score to 4-2. The scoring for that inning would end with that as the final out came right after.
In the top of the fourth, the Blue Devils got one of their runs back after a groundout by Duke graduate student Ben Miller brought in senior Wallace Clark to score from third to increase their lead to 5-2. That would be Hugus’ final inning as well as he was taken out of the game prior to the Miller RBI for graduate student Carson Fischer.
The Hurricanes would bring the score back to within two in the bottom half of the inning as senior Dorian Gonzalez Jr. came in score after a throwing error by Proksch to make the score 5-3.
It seemed like Miami was just a bloop and a blast away from being back into the ballgame, but then the sixth inning came and along with it came Duke’s finishing blow. Just like the first inning, Miami got two outs rather quickly as they got a double play two batters into the inning. However, things went off the rails after that. Fischer was taken out of the game after he gave up a single and walk to the next two batters. He was replaced by graduate student Alex Giroux. Giroux threw just three pitches before he was taken out of the game. The first hit the batter and loaded the bases. The second was a strike and the third hit the next batter and brought in a run to bring the score to 6-3. Giroux was replaced by freshman left-hander, Michael Fernandez, whose outing was arguably somehow worse than Giroux. On the first batter he faced, he gave up a grand slam to make the score 10-3. Two pitches later, he gave up another homer to bring the score to 11-3. Finally, he hit the next batter and his day was done. The final Miami reliever of the inning was senior Jackson Cleveland, who got the final out of the inning after Duke sophomore Macon Winslow was thrown out going for a double.
The Hurricanes never got even a single run to cut the lead the rest of game while the Blue Devils tacked on two more in the ninth inning to make the final score of the game, 13-3. In the end, Miami went through eight pitchers throughout the game, giving 12 hits and hitting six Duke batters. Hugus got his fourth loss of the season.
After the loss, Miami baseball moves to 18-17 (ACC 4-9) on the season.
Miami falls to FSU in season finale, 4-1
The No. 35 Miami Hurricanes traveled to face their in-state rivals, No. 19 Florida State, on Friday afternoon to close out their regular season.
And in typical road fashion for the Miami men’s tennis team, it fell 4-1 to the Seminoles, solidifying a winless road season.
Miami (13-9, 6-7 ACC) began the match by dropping the doubles point to FSU (17-7, 9-4 ACC).
The ’Canes pairing of Nacho Serra Sanchez and Leonardo Dal Boni fell 6-3 to Joshua Dous-Karpenschif and Erik Schiessl, and the FSU pairing of No. 15 Alex Bulte and Youcef Rihane clinched the point by defeating No. 61 Martin Katz and Antonio Prat, 6-4.
The Hurricanes attempted a comeback, as Sanchez tied the match after a 6-1, 6-1 win over Bulte, but the Seminoles won the next three to clinch the match.
Miami’s Jules Garot fell 6-3, 6-2, to Rihane, Dal Boni fell 6-3, 6-4, to Dous-Karpenschif and Mehdi Sadaoui fell 7-5, 6-4 to Schiessl to ensure the FSU win.
The Hurricanes failed to win a single road match this year, going 0-9 across the season. They will have to get over their road woes as they head into the ACC Championships in Cary, N.C. next week.
Singles competition
1. #15 Corey Craig (FSU) vs. #20 Martin Katz (MIA) 6-4, 4-5, unfinished
2. #46 Jamie Connel (FSU) vs. Antonio Prat (MIA) 5-7, 6-6 (1-1), unfinished
3. Nacho Serra Sanchez (MIA) def. Alex Bulte (FSU) 6-1, 6-1
4. Erik Schiessl (FSU) def. Mehdi Sadaoui (MIA) 7-5, 6-4
5. J. Dous-Karpenschif (FSU) def. Leonardo Dal Boni (MIA) 6-3, 6-4
6. Youcef Rihane (FSU) def. Jules Garot (MIA) 6-3, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. #15 Alex Bulte/Youcef Rihane (FSU) def. #61 Martin Katz/Antonio Prat (MIA) 6-4
2. J. Dous-Karpenschif/Erik Schiessl (FSU) def. Nacho Serra Sanchez/Leonardo Dal Boni (MIA) 6-3
3. Jamie Connel/Jan Sebesta (FSU) vs. Mehdi Sadaoui/Jules Garot (MIA) 4-4, unfinished