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Miami Hurricanes Split Two Game Series With FIU

By Alan Rubenstein

Jun 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Miami Hurricanes pitcher Frankie Bartow (52) throws to first base against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos in the sixth inning in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. UC Santa Barbara defeated Miami 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Miami Hurricanes pitcher Frankie Bartow (52) throws to first base against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos in the sixth inning in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. UC Santa Barbara defeated Miami 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Hurricanes split a two-game series with Florida International on Tuesday and Wednesday with each team winning on the other’s home field.

Miami earned a come from behind victory in the opener at FIU. After taking a 4-0 lead in the second, the Panthers tied it with two in the bottom of the second and two more in the third. Miami went ahead 5-4 in the fifth, only to be matched again. FIU then took the lead with two in the bottom of the sixth.

The Hurricanes earned their own comeback with two in the seventh and one in the ninth. Seven different Hurricanes had hits. Designated Hitter Nico Baldor, catcher Joe Gomez and left fielder James Davison led the way with two hits each.

Leadoff hitter Randy Batista and Gomez were the biggest run producers with two RBIs each. Second baseman Romy Gonzalez also contributed with three runs scored.

Evan McKendry got the mid-week start but lasted just 4.1 innings. He was blasted for five runs, but just two were earned. He allowed seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Andrew Cabezas got the win for Miami in relief. He allowed one hit and struck out two in two innings. Frankie Bartow pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his ninth save.

Miami was in position for a critical two-game sweep over the Panthers on Wednesday night. Leading 4-3 entering the top of the ninth FIU scored two unearned runs against Bartow.

Miami Head Coach Jim Morris spoke about the tough loss:

"“It was a disappointing loss,” head coach Jim Morris said. “We were ahead there at the end and we normally win when we’re ahead at the end. FIU battled hard, and they did a good job at that.”"

The runs were unearned when shortstop Randy Batista threw wide to first base trying to complete a game-ending double play. The throw got past Bartow who was covering first base, the game-tying run scored on the play.

It was Bartow’s first blown save of the season. Morris said that Bartow was able to locate his pitches as good as he usually does:

"“He didn’t locate. He didn’t have the sink to his fastball tonight. That happened to closers, and it’s magnified in that situation”"

Miami got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the second. FIU had single runs in the third and fifth to tie the game. Miami scored two in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead they would hold until the ninth. FIU narrow the margin to one with a run in the sixth.

Jesse Lepore who was demoted from being the Friday night starter got his first weekday start. He lasted five innings allowing two runs, one earned on three hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Next: Where are the Miami Hurricanes Likely to Go in NFL Draft?

Next up: Miami travels to Boston College for a three-game weekend series. The Eagles are last in the ACC Atlantic and tied for the overall worst record at 6-15. Their 16-22 overall record is also worst in the conference. The Eagles are coming off a three-game sweep of North Carolina State and have won seven of their last nine games.

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