Brian Walters fans 10 in Hurricanes sweep over Niagara

Miami, Florida – Brian Walters continued UM’s dominance on the mound striking out 10 helping the Hurricanes record the first sweep of the season over Niagara. The right-handed reliever-turned-starter gave up a run on three hits and walked only two over five innings of work earning his first win as a starter. Walters overcame a shaky first inning at one point retiring 12 in a row also getting ample run support in the 11-1 victory. Fabio Peralta singled with the bases loaded at the bottom of the seventh triggering the mercy rule. Both coaches must agree to implement the rule before the contest in non-conference games. The win moves the Miami Hurricanes to 3-0 overall.

Brandon DeGoti homers on his first at-bat as a Hurricane. Not a bad way to kickstart your collegiate career.pic.twitter.com/fc6anEnOcy

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 16, 2025

The red-shirt junior was supported by an offense that scored early and often while teammates Brandon DeGoti and Dorian Gonzalez, Jr. backed up their pitcher via good defensive plays. DeGoti recorded his first hit as a Hurricane going deep to left-center during the fourth inning on his first collegiate start. DeGoti would later move from shortstop to second base replacing Gonzalez for the fifth. Head coach J.D. Arteaga said Dorian had tweaked a muscle when he hit the double back in the third likely aggravating it charging on a play the following frame. Gonzalez went 2-for-2 knocking in a pair of runs.

By the end, the Hurricanes barraged their opponent with 11 hits. Jake Ogden and Derek Williams finished the afternoon going 2-for-4 with Williams recording two RBIs and a double. Opening weekend saw a strong start for the Canes outscoring their opponents 35-3. It was certainly a series Niagara wants to forget after committing 10 errors. UM travels to Boca Raton on Tuesday for their first mid-week game at Florida Atlantic.

Busting out the brooms

The Purple Eagles jumped to their first lead of the series when Shawn Cameron fired up Niagara with an RBI single in the opening inning. Nate Milk had drawn a walk and then stole second positioning himself on the play. Walters got off to a somewhat rocky start giving up two walks and a hit, however, the righty regained control striking out Jason Green followed shortly thereafter with a bases-loaded whiff of Camden Sanders.

Keep on keepin' on 👊

📺: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/IrmJ3myTmW

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 16, 2025

Niagara’s advantage was short-lived. Gonzalez answered back with an RBI single scoring Michael Torres from second. Torres walked to lead off the inning advancing on an awry pickoff attempt. Dorian returned for more in the third smacking his second double of the year and driving home DeGoti for the go-ahead run. Williams kept up the pressure tagging the visitors for two more with a bases-loaded single making it 4-1.

Up 6-1 in the fifth, Miami padded their edge scoring runs on a wild pitch and throwing error. Bobby Marsh, meanwhile, slapped his third double of the year in the sixth plating deuces. Peralta came in with the bases-loaded dagger after the seventh-inning stretch.

Impressions

J.D. elaborated more on Dorian's injury also giving an update on Cuvet. He spoke about what he saw from the lineup this weekend valuing giving the non-starters playing time.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/9Xy4ekCDNC

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 16, 2025

Walters struggled some in the first but the strikeout with the bases juiced was a turning point. Brian recovered nicely striking out the side on his second stint on the mound and the rest is history. It’s a great start to the campaign, however, there isn’t much to glean from it. The starting rotation was highly efficient, the hitting was productive, the defense was good, and there were no real complaints in the bullpen. In other words, the Miami Hurricanes did what was expected.

Gus Bus Award

It was a long road for Brian Walters dealing with Tommy John Surgery in 2023 followed by another procedure late last season to adjust a nerve in his arm. Love to see him triumph. Walters talked about overcoming the early struggles.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/1KyupsWZF2

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 16, 2025

This easily goes to Brian Walters. He settled down from the second inning onwards and overpowered the Purple Eagles. It’s been a difficult stint for the youngster who has been dogged by injury resulting in two surgeries. However, Walters continued the grind, and good things come to those who wait. Good work kid.

You’re Killing Me Smalls

Max Galvin went hitless and is off to a slow start hitting .083 through three games. It’s early.