Erickson Pitches Well; Canes Win 7-1

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The Miami pitching staff allowed just one run to Florida State Sunday at Mark Light Field and right fielder Dennis Raben went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs to lead the Hurricanes to a 7-1 victory over Florida State.

After Miami allowed a combined 20 runs to FSU in the first two games, starting pitcher Eric Erickson and relievers David Gutierrez and Danny Gil allowed just eight hits and one walk.

With the win, Miami avoided being swept at home for the first time all season. The last time UM was swept at home was the March 31- April 2 series last year versus Clemson.

Miami lost the Friday game in heartbreaking fashion, allowing four runs in the ninth inning and losing 7-6. UM was pounded Saturday 13-8 by the Seminoles.

“We put together a good game,” Morris said. “Erickson pitched very well and we played good defense. We needed this win. Florida State is supposedly the best team in the country and we woulda, shoulda, coulda, beat them 2-out-of-3.”

Miami scored one run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead on a RBI single by Dennis Raben, scoring Roger Tomas from second base.

A pair of throwing errors by FSU pitchers Danny Rosen and Travis Burge extended the fifth inning and led to three of Miami’s five runs in the fifth inning.

A throwing error to second base on a potential double play by Rosen, FSU’s starting pitcher, allowed centerfielder Blake Tekotte to score from second base.

Later in the inning, Burge made an errant throw to first with Jemile Weeks streaking down the first base line, allowing Yonder Alonso to score.

Also in the fifth inning, freshman Mark Sobolewski set the freshman record for getting a hit in 17 consecutive games. The all-time UM hit streak record was set by Ryan Grimmett in 1997 when he hit in 28 consecutive games.

“I knew the record was there, but once you get in the batters box you are not thinking I hope I get this hitting streak record,” Sobolewski said. “It is a nice accomplishment and nice record to have.”

Miami Starting pitcher Eric Erickson allowed his first run in the sixth inning on a RBI single to right field by FSU catcher Buster Posey.

Erickson threw six innings, allowing six hits and one run while striking out three and walking zero batters.

“My changeup was great today,” Erickson said. “The location of my fastball was great. My curveball was not very consistent, I think I threw only a couple for strikes, but I was working with my fastball and changeup today.”

The series at Wake Forest May 11-13 could prove to be more crucial than the ‘Canes would have believed at the beginning of the season.

Miami will travel to Winston Salem, North Carolina in two weeks for a series that could potentially have a big impact on who qualifies for the ACC tournament.

Only the top eight teams qualify for the ACC tournament. Currently Miami stands tied in sixth place with NC State (12-12) in the ACC one game in front of Boston College (11-13) and Wake Forest (11-13).

“This game was huge for us,” Raben said. “We had to win today’s game after dropping Friday night. Saturday we got out played the whole day, but it was big to beat them today.”

“We should have won two-out-of-three this series. We know that and they know that, and they are supposed to be the best team in the nation and we know we can take two-out-of-three from anybody.”

Miami will play Wright State this weekend, May 4-6, at Mark Light Field. Friday’s game is scheduled to start at 7 pm.