Yohandy Morales leads UM in sweep over Blue Hose

Miami, Florida –After missing two games, Yohandy Morales returned with a bang going 4-for-4 with five RBIs smashing his 11th homer of 2023 over the Blue Hose. The Miami Hurricanes mercy-ruled Presbyterian 12-2 in eight innings as part of a 17-hit barrage. Prior to the game, the two teams came to a mutual agreement on the rule’s implementation. It came into effect when JD Jones beat out the throw at first denying the double play. It allowed Dominic Pitelli to score the gaming-winning run. UM outscored their opponent 37-7 over the weekend.

It’s the Hurricanes’ fourth sweep of the season. The win propels them to 31-16 (14-10, ACC) with a 25-4 record at home.

Welcome back, Yohandy!

📺: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/87EJupyIVM

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 7, 2023

Ronaldo Gallo was on the bump for the Canes facing Daniel Eagen pitching two and a third innings giving up two runs on two hits striking out three. He also walked two. Freshman Jason Torres was among the day’s top performers going 4-for-5 recording the first triple of his college career wrapping up a very memorable weekend.

Hit parade

Miami led off with three consecutive hits resulting in an RBI single from Morales scoring CJ Kayfus.

Gallo ran into some difficulty in the third. After fanning the first batter he walked Chase Hughes followed by a single from Kyle Decker. Jack Gorman smacked one down the left-field line for the two-run double giving the Blue Hose their first lead of the weekend. Gallo walked another resulting in a pitching change in favor of Ben Chestnutt. The right-handed transfer from the College of Central Florida clamped down on Presbyterian retiring 10 consecutive batters.

5⃣ Up, 5⃣ Down for @ben_chestnutt 💪

📺: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/odh43sPpzK

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 7, 2023

With two outs Morales reached base via a single, advancing to second on a throwing error by third baseman Trey Fenderson. It was the opportunity Miami was looking for. Zach Levenson doubled (his 13th of the season) down the left-field line scoring Yohandy tying it 2-2. The hitting continued with an RBI hit from Blake Cyr for the go-ahead run.

Y💣y💣 M💣rales is back!!

📺: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/NgqrtcpRBR

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) May 7, 2023

Pitelli capped off the third-inning rally with his 11th double of the year, scoring Hollywood and making it 4-2 Miami. The Canes added two more in the fourth with RBI singles from Edgardo Villegas and Yoyo. UM busted the game wide open with five runs in the sixth. Morales and Cyr both went deep for the final nails to Presbyterian’s coffin.

Impressions

Slipped in a couple questions during today's post game presser. Yoyo walks us through his sixth inning at-bat with thoughts on Ben Chestnutt's day on the mound.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/YVkyVcDXSt

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) May 7, 2023

As expected, Miami took care of business sweeping their opponents from the Big South Conference. The Blue Hose very briefly took the lead but the Canes surged on an error that could’ve ended the inning putting up three runs. There were a lot of heroes this weekend. We saw Gage Ziehl dominate on the mound Friday night (8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 12 K) as Pitelli went ham at the plate going 5-for-5 with three thunderous homers knocking in nine runs. Lorenzo Carrier also had a great evening going 3-for-3 driving in a trio, a double shy of the cycle. Saturday saw the 1-2 punch of Alejandro Rosario (6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 12 K) and Jason Torres.

The freshman from Hialeah made his second career start a memorable one plating five runs including a grand slam in his first at-bat of the night. He finished the game 3-for-4 scoring thrice. Torres also went 2-for-5 in the opener. Of course, we can’t forget Yohandy. After not playing in the first two games of the series, Yoyo showed why he’s the best on the team going 4-for-4 recording five RBIs including the homer in the sixth. Lastly, Blake Cyr did his bit going 3-for-10 this weekend including a 2-for-4 performance in the finale knocking in three runs. He also slammed his 13th dinger of the season Sunday afternoon. With Yohandy Morales (and friends) powering his team past the Blue Hose in the rearview mirror, next up is FIU!

Coach Gino DiMare on the mood in the locker room. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/Pu8wYSSEfN

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) May 8, 2023

Gus Bus Award

Yoyo made an immediate impact giving his team the early lead and he just kept on going. Enjoy his final games because Morales is definitely getting drafted, in the first round no less.

You’re Killing Me Smalls

A couple of other guys could’ve received this dubious prize. Instead, it’s going to Jack Scanlon who went hitless in all four trips to the plate. He’s now batting .136 in 44 at-bats. Gotta make the most of your opportunities.