Miami took down Jacksonville in the opening game of the Gainesville Regional on Friday, 7-2 and hours later Florida torched Manhattan, 17-3, meaning the Sunshine State rivals will get a much-anticipated showdown at 4pm ET on Saturday at McKethan Stadium.
The Canes jumped out to a first inning 1-0 lead over the Dolphins when Zeke DeVoss reached first on a throwing error, advanced to second on a Nathan Melendres ground out and came home when Rony Rodriguez doubled down the left field line.
The teams traded runs in the third. Miami picked one up in the fifth and Jacksonville scored in the seventh, making for a close 3-2 game entering the eighth when the Canes finally exploded for four runs and put the game out of reach.
Melendres got things underway, singling to left and stealing second after a pitching change. Rodriguez drew a walk and Harold Martinez singled to left, loading the bases. Chris Pelaez struck out swinging for the first out and after another pitching change, Brad Feiger reached on a fielder’s choice. Martinez reached second on a throwing error and Melendres scored.
Stephen Perez drew a walk, scoring Mack and Dale Carey singled to right, moved the base runners, brought Martinez home and after Corey Janson struck out, Zeke DeVoss drew a walk and brought home another run, walking in Feiger.
Up 7-2, closer Daniel Miranda ran through three straight Jacksonville batters in the top of the ninth, shutting down the game.
Next up for Miami, a showdown with Florida. The Canes have lost nine of ten to the Gators so there will be a chip on this team’s shoulder entering Saturday.
Let’s hope for some solid pitching, strong defense, smart small ball and some much-needed heart against the second-seeded Gators.