Why The Canes Lost To Virginia Friday Night

In order to win friday night we detailed the keys to success, let's see how the Canes matched up to our predictions.

Yesterday we said, "Here is the recipe for success Friday night:"

---6-7 innings from Chris Hernandez ,

(Chris gave us 6 innings. )

---Hopefully 8 strikeouts or more from Chris. No more than 2-3 runs.

(Chris had 9 strikeouts. He gave up 3 runs, only 1 earned)

---We will need at least 10 hits.

(We had 4 hits total)

---We need 3-4 runs early, and 3-4 late. Let's say 8 runs total.

(We only scored 1 run, not until the 6th)

---The Middle relievers cannot give up more than 1-2 runs.

(Sam Robinson pitched 1 scoreless inning)

The closers need to limit runs to less than 2.

---(EJ Encinosa had 5 strikeouts, no runs allowed)


We were right on with the pitching and despite the three early runs from the Cavaliers our pitching staff did well throughout the game. Surprisingly, Murphy and his Law made a guest appearance Friday night when the Hurricanes bats failed to show up for the game. The Canes had incredibly hot bats coming into Friday, but the hitting just wasn't there for us. The un-impressive hitting performance hurt the Hurricanes, the Cavaliers couldn't put up any more runs after the 4th inning and the door was wide open for Miami for the rest of the game.

In the 8th inning the Miami Hurricanes had a chance to tie the game and pull ahead when the bases were loaded with 1 out. Unfortunately a ball was hit directly to the pitcher who turned the 1-2-3 double play ending any hopes the Canes had.

The 9th inning came and went and that's all she wrote for the Canes hopes of a sweep. No brooms this weekend for the Canes and we can hear a faint cheer from the Yellow Jackets who were undoubtedly watching what Miami is doing this weekend.

As Murphy lurks around the corner, dare we say that Saturday is once again all about the pitching. We can't see hitting being the reason we lose again Saturday as the Canes will be looking to make up for Friday's lackluster performance.

(More on Saturday's game in next post.)