#20 Miami Travels to Take on #7 Virginia

The Miami Hurricanes face another tough road test as they head to Charlottesville to take on the Cavaliers in a three-game series with major implications in the conference. The Canes and Cavaliers are tied for the lead in the ACC Coastal as they both sit at 8-4 in conference play. Earlier this year Virginia was ranked as high as fifth, before dropping two out of three to rival Virginia Tech Hokies and falling to seventh in the most recent polls.

The Canes are riding a five-game winning streak that includes wins over FIU, UCF and a sweep of FSU; however, they have had their fair share of struggles on the road. Miami has been nearly unbeatable at home where they are 18-3, compared to away games where they are a disappointing 2-6. The biggest issue with Canes’ road woes has been their offensive struggles. Miami’s bats have not traveled well at all this year. Over their last nine home games, UM is 9-0 and averaging over 10 runs per game. That average drops all the way down to 3 runs per game in their eight road appearances this year.

While Miami will be playing in an uncomfortable environment up in Virginia, the Cavaliers will be right at home where they have yet to lose a game this season. UVA is 25-4 overall but are a perfect 17-0 at home this year. Miami is no stranger to tough road opponents this season as they have already traveled to Gainesville to take on a top five Gators’ team, as well as to Winston Salem where they faced a top three Wake Forest squad. The Canes will be looking for a better performance in this series than in their last two tough road tests. After losing two out of three to the Gators, Miami was swept by Wake Forest in their next series by a top ten road opponent. UM has looked sharp over the last few games and hopes to finally find a way to bring that momentum with them on the road.

The three-game series gets started Friday at 6PM, followed by afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday. If Miami wants to be a team that can make deep a run in May and June, they will have to start showing the ability to win big games away from Mark Light Field. They will have back-to-back opportunities to do so as they face the #14 UNC Tar Heels in Chapel Hill following the series with Virginia.