Karson Ligon K’s 6 as Hurricanes Dominate Dartmouth

Miami, Florida – Right-handed pitcher Karson Ligon spun another quality gem as the Miami Hurricanes shut out the Dartmouth Big Green 6-0 Saturday night. Ligon tossed seven strong innings four hitting the visitors in a highly efficient showing. He was backed by early run support thanks to a timely three-run homer from Dorian Gonzalez, Jr,.

Miami continued to tack on more runs throughout the evening clinching the weekend series. It’s also their first shut of the year. Furthermore, the win on Teacher Appreciation Night puts them in position for their first sweep of the 2023 season.

Hurricanes jump ahead with three in the second courtesy of Dorian Gonzalez, Jr.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheUpic.twitter.com/NwrCLbTQuT

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 26, 2023

Taking care of business

Miami flexed their muscle in the second frame. After Zach Levenson led off the inning with a base hit up the middle, Blake Cyr seemingly grounded into the double play. However, shortstop Tyler Cox miffed the grounder allowing for two runners on base. Dorian made Dartmouth pay, lifting the ball over the right field fence for the go-ahead three-run blast. The homer off Jack Metzger was Gonzalez’s first of 2023.

Back-to-back triples✅
5 Runs Scored ✅
Starting pitcher cruising✅#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheUpic.twitter.com/zNTyIqu9lX

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 26, 2023

UM added two more in the fourth with back-to-back triples from Carlos Perez and Dominic Pitelli. It was Perez’s first triple of 2023, the second of his college career, his previous was on May 2nd, 2021 at Boston College. A sacrifice fly from Edgardo Villegas plated Pitelli making it 5-0 Hurricanes. Perez dinged one off the scoreboard in the sixth for his third home run of the season creating a bigger cushion for his pitcher. It should be noted he was only a double away from hitting for the cycle.

Karson Ligon and Carlos Perez on their perfomances tonight#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/Og77TeeHsu

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 26, 2023

The Big Green threatened for the first and only time Saturday night at the top of the seventh. Nevertheless, Ligon denied Dartmouth retiring Jackson Hower with a sharp groundout to short, stranding the runner at third. Carlos Lequerica pitched two innings in relief striking out four and giving the bullpen plenty of rest for Sunday’s game.

Post Game with Gino

After the game, I sat down with coach DiMare and the guys for the post-game presser. We talked about Perez almost hitting for the cycle and the way the team has been flexing its power. When asked whether the initial slugging is now part of the Hurricanes’ identity Gino expressed hope that it is.

“It’s been our identity right now I hope it continues,” DiMare said. “It’s not gonna always be like that. You’re not getting home runs all the time.”

He went on to point out that the big homer from Dorian was because of a defensive mistake by Dartmouth culminating into a three-run play.

Coach Gino DiMare on the team's home runs both tonight and this season so far when it comes to the team's identity#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/bCYGUyq1LJ

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 26, 2023

Impressions

This has been the best version we’ve seen from the Hurricanes so far. Whether at the plate or on the mound or on the field, this was as “flawless” as can be for 2023. Ligon is a big reason why. The right-hander was in control versus Penn State and put up an even better performance in his second start dominating Dartmouth. With Gage Ziehl’s early struggles and an important road series next weekend against the Florida Gators, I think coach Gino DiMare might be considering putting in Ligon Friday night. Without a doubt, he’s certainly earned it.

Another K for Karson!

📺: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/qZRXg8Xwtl

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 26, 2023

Gus Bus Award

With two straight-quality starts, Karson Ligon gets this one easily on a night that the Hurricanes dominate Dartmouth.

You’re Killing me Smalls

Blake Cyr has been on a tear but tonight he went hitless (0-for-4). Even Hollywood has off nights.