Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes failed to benefit from home field, falling to Florida International 10-2 Wednesday night, tying the season series. Starting pitcher Reese Lumpkin was rocked in the first, surrendering five runs on five hits, forcing coach J.D. Arteaga to call on reliever Lazaro Collera. The opposing programs resorted to a bullpen game as the visitors found far more success limiting UM’s offense to fits and starts. Despite one bad inning and some great defensive moments from the infield and center fielder Michael Torres in particular, the Cardiac Canes went on long stretches without stitching together hits.
Great play by the CF flashing his athleticism and glove. #GoCanes https://t.co/mHfZDxst8d
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) April 2, 2025
While the bullpen stepped in to contain the Panthers until the ninth, the bats only recorded a multi-hit inning once during the second frame when all the runs were generated. The team went three up, three down from the third through the sixth, tallying six hits total by game’s end. Miami slips to 15-15 overall. They will now travel to Pittsburgh to face Pitt on the road.
On the prowl at the light
Florida International exploded out of the gates, pouncing on the Hurricanes. Threatening with runners at the corners, Torres’ diving attempt fell short, allowing an RBI double. Derek Williams couldn’t make the catch either when Javier Crespo looped one to right field, making it 2-0. Things went from bad to worse for Lumpkin as the Panthers manufactured a pair of doubles, scratching three more runs.
Dorian breathes some life into the offense, getting the Miami Mashers on the board. #GoCanespic.twitter.com/0dQL9QOhNN
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) April 2, 2025
Dorian Gonzalez, Jr. breathed life into the bats during the second inning, lifting one towards center field for his fourth home run of the year. Torres followed up by laying down a nibbler with runners at the corners, scoring Ethan Puig while legging out an RBI single.
Crespo responded for the blue and gold in the third, smacking a no-doubter over the scoreboard, making it 6-2 FIU. Florida International almost knocked in more, however, Torres made a big diving catch, robbing Cole Cleveland before throwing it back in for the double-play at first. Regardless of the execution, momentum remained with the Panthers, who finished off the Hurricanes, tacking on four runs in the ninth.
Canes are utilizing some small ball.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/PKK7IkbPxK
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) April 2, 2025
Impressions
FIU came in strong and led wire-to-wire, adding to Miami’s ongoing woes. Losing to a crosstown rival is demoralizing, especially one you see as “little brother.” Throw in the score, and it’s even worse. As I noted in the preview, Florida International got its kicks in evening up the series. The Hurricanes will need to flush this one and move on to Pitt. I’m starting to feel this weekend might be make or break, assuming the weather holds. If the Canes don’t turn it around, it may be game over for 2025. Things like momentum, chemistry, and morale are important in the clubhouse, and if their greatest strength, resilience, crumbles, there’s no coming back from that.
It's a dark period in the season. Tonight is but the latest blow.
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) April 3, 2025
Gus Bus Award
Michael Torres for his glove, that’s as good as it gets.
You’re Killing Me Smalls
There is PLENTY of blame to go around especially at the plate. However, it starts with the starter, Reese Lumpkin. At the end of the day, UM couldn’t overcome the early hole.
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