Miami needed extra innings on Saturday night in Coral Gables to snap Florida State’s 4-game winning steak, but did just that. A throwing error by FSU shortstop Taylor Walls on a ground ball off the bat of Michael Burns allowed Brandon Gali to score the winning run in the bottom of the 10th as the Hurricanes prevailed, 5-4.
Opponents had defeated Florida State in their last at-bats this season, but Saturday’s contest was the first loss for the Seminoles this season by a walk-off. Both of FSU’s wins over Miami last year came in walk-off fashion. The teams will play the rubber game of the series on Sunday.
The Good: Though each team had just five hits, they seemed to maximize scoring opportunities, thanks largely to the long ball. Quincy Nieporte and Jackson Lueck each left the yard for the Seminoles while Miami’s only runs in regulation came on a grand slam by Michael Burns. For the night, the teams combined to leave just nine runners.
The Bad: While the Seminoles did maximize their hits, FSU had a tough time making contact against Miami starter Michael Mediavilla and reliever Andrew Cabezas. In total, Florida State struck out 14 times on Saturday night. The only FSU starter who didn’t strike out was designated hitter Quincy Nieporte.
The Ugly: Shoddy defense reared its ugly head again for Florida State and at the most inopportune time on Saturday. After going consecutive games without an error, Taylor Walls’ throwing error in the 10th allowed the Hurricanes to get the walk-off victory. Entering the series, no team in the ACC had committed more errors than the Seminoles.
Studs of the Game: With a grand slam in the third inning, Michael Burns takes the honor for Miami. For FSU, Quincy Nieporte was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three RBIs.
Duds of the Game: For the Seminoles, Cal Raleigh and Drew Mendoza were each 0-for-4. For the Hurricanes, Edgar Michelangeli was 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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