Gutierrez Takes the Mound as #1 Starter

Miami RHP Carlos Gutierrez is 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA in his first two starts this season. Tonight at 9:00 p.m. he will be making his third start at UCLA.

Carlos Gutierrez, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Columbus High School, started the season opener for the Hurricanes against FIU.

Gutierrez pitched five strong innings not allowing a run on one hit with three strikeouts and two walks to give him his first career win as a Hurricane.

In his second start he pitched another strong game allowing just one run in five innings allowing six hits and three walks while striking out four.

Through two games he has pitched 10 innings and allowed just one run on seven hits while striking out seven.

"I feel comfortable and just trying to be myself out there," said Gutierrez of his early season success.

Gutierrez likes to throw his fastball a lot to get ahead of hitters and likes to keep them off balanced.

As a freshman in 2005, Gutierrez pitched 10 innings and had an 8.10 ERA while striking out 12.

"Last year I tried to basically get my feet wet and just get experience that would help me this season. All of the outings I had gave me confidence and has prepared me for this season."

Last weekened the Hurricanes went 1-2 against Winthrop including a 16-4 victory in the opener.

"It was a tough weekend for us. We started off great and the bats were great in the first game. Then we just went cold and it happens. We are looking to rebound against UCLA this weekend."

Miami (3-2) begins a three-game series with UCLA (1-2) tonight at 9:00 p.m. with Gutierrez on the mound.

"Starting off the series I am hoping to get a win right off the bat. I don't know much about them, but anytime you go on the road and so far--it should be a great series."

The second game of the series is on Saturday at 5:00 followed by a 4:00 contest on Sunday.