Zach Levenson powers Miami Hurricanes to first win of 2023

Miami, Florida – Zach Levenson mashed two home runs helping the Miami Hurricanes crush the Penn State Nittany Lions 10-2 to even the series. Karson Ligon was almost lights out pitching six and two-thirds two-hitting the visitors. The offense gave him plenty of run support flexing their muscle. Levenson, Edgardo Villegas, and Carlos Perez all went yard as the bats came through early and often in spite of some missed opportunities.

It was both Villegas and Perez’s first dingers of the season. Levenson now leads the team with three.

Plenty of highlights from tonight's bounce-back performance, including four home runs and a dominant start on the bump! pic.twitter.com/ND5WlMJfQ6

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 19, 2023

Coming out swinging

Itching to avenge yesterday’s loss the Canes quickly opened up the scoring in the first frame. Lead-off hitter Dario Gomez reached first safely due to a throwing error by shortstop Jay Harry. Villegas took Daniel Ouderkirk deep to right-center giving Miami the early two-run lead. Ligon got some help in the second inning from his corner outfielders in the form of nice catches from Villegas and Levenson near the warning track.

So nice it's gotta be seen twice#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/judQPagwmq

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 19, 2023

The Hurricanes had an opportunity to drive in more runs after Dorian Gonzalez, Jr. and Perez hit back-to-back singles followed by a grounder by Dominic Pitelli moving up the runners. However, the next two batters were retired including Villegas who struck out looking at an inside pitch.

UM stranded another pair in the third when Gonzalez, Jr. swung at the first pitch he saw popping out to shallow center. CJ Kayfus was 90 feet away advancing on a wild pitch and a passed ball, unable to cross the plate.

Happy the boys brought out the lumber making it rain tonight 💪#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/ZCHUnhePJ0

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 19, 2023

The Canes had a big fourth inning doubling up on PSU. Villegas smacked an RBI double scoring Pitelli. Gomez then made it home on a wild pitch. Yoyo added to the lead finding a hole on the right side, driving in another run. Miami kept on going with a towering solo shot from Levenson in the fifth right over the scoreboard and into the night making it 6-0.

The Nittany Lions finally got on the board in the seventh. Kyle Hannon singled up the middle scoring  Josh Spiegel. Miami immediately responded with a two-run shot from Perez. Levenson smashed his third of the year in the eighth for the icing on the cake.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ZACH LEVENSON.

🖥: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/tVL6dnMCed

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 19, 2023

Impressions

That’s more like it! The Miami Hurricanes performed the way they were expected. We saw terrific plays on defense, at the plate, and of course on the mound. It was an all-around effort that the Canes needed to achieve after last night’s loss. Although I was not in attendance to see Gage Ziehl chased out in the third inning, it’s his first-ever collegiate start so I’m not worried about him. Not yet anyway.

1-6-3 = 2

Baseball math.

🖥: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/4dAdlmBEhl

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 19, 2023

Defensively we saw Dorian Gonzalez, Jr. charging in slinging it to first, getting Spiegel for a big out. In the following frame, the defense came up big thanks to some fine work from Ligon inducing the 1-6-3 double play. It wasn’t flawless but coach Gino DiMare has got to be happy with tonight’s W.

Here's a clip of coach @GinoDiMare1's thoughts on the offense last night.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/mmcUqAJqtj

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 19, 2023

Gus Bus Award

Without a doubt, Zach Levenson certainly helped the Miami Hurricanes. The slugger jolted the Canes Saturday night generating some momentum for tomorrow’s rubber match.

Lingon going over the big double play in the fifth inning#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/NGMBUFUV6Y

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 19, 2023

You’re Killing Me Smalls

It was a pretty quiet night from Dario Gomez going 0-for-4, not what you want to see at the top of the lineup.

Photo by Canes Baseball