Similarly to how its 2022 season ended, Miami began its 2023 campaign with a loss at Mark Light Field.
The Hurricanes dropped their season opener to Penn State, 9-5, in a game that the Nittany Lions controlled throughout.
“Disappointing start no doubt, we just didn’t do much in all phases. We fell behind a lot of hitters, a lot of deep counts,” Miami baseball head coach Gino DiMare said. “We just didn’t get it done pitching.”
Penn State struck first in the second inning with a three-run double from sophomore shortstop Jay Harry. The Nittany Lions’ barrage didn’t stop, as designated hitter Thomas Bramley followed with a double of his own to right field to give Penn State the early 4-0 lead.
This was the beginning of what was a rough outing for UM starting pitcher Gage Ziehl, who made his first collegiate start after appearing in 30 games as a relief pitcher last season.
Ziehl allowed a home run to second baseman Kyle Hannon before giving up a pair of singles before the sophomore’s evening was over in favor of relief pitcher Ben Chestnutt. Ziehl allowed nine hits and five runs in two innings pitched. He also struck out two batters.
Chestnutt’s UM debut started as well as possible. The College of Central Florida transfer, facing runners at both first and second base with no outs, struck out the next three batters. The last swinging strikeout was met with a roar of applause from the home fans.
The junior’s Hurricane debut ended after 2.1 innings pitched. Chestnut struck out four batters and allowed a solo home run by infielder Tayven Kelly.
Penn State was fueled by a praiseworthy performance from its starting pitcher, Travis Luensmann. The junior right-hander pitched five innings and allowed only two hits and one run on a homer to right center from junior Dominic Pitelli. Luensmann also struck out four batters.
Left-handed pitcher Jordan Morales entered the game in relief for Luensmann. And with Morales in the game, Miami was able to create some momentum in the seventh despite trailing 6-1. Right fielder Zach Levenson kicked things off with a deep homer to center field. The Hurricanes then advanced runners onto first and second with only one out, but a strikeout and a fielder’s choice squashed UM’s comeback attempt.
The Nittany Lions tacked on three more runs in the eighth, and the Hurricanes packed some eighth-inning magic of their own. UM scored three runs, two of which came off a homer to left-center field by junior Ian Farrow.
“It’s something we always talk about, no matter if we’re up big in a game or down big. You can’t just give in, there is no clock in our sport,” DiMare said about UM’s eighth-inning success. “You never know in our sport. Very happy to see our guys battle.”
Penn State’s 15-hit effort was starred by outfielders Johnny Piacentino and Billy Gerlott, who each had a team-high three hits.
Right-handed relief pitcher Alejandro Torres was a silver lining for the ‘Canes. The redshirt sophomore pitched 2.2 scoreless innings and finished with a career-high four strikeouts.
“Just overall not a good game, a little humbling. The fans were fantastic, and one of the better fans attendance I’ve seen for an opening night,” DiMare said. “We have to turn the page and play a better game tomorrow.”
Miami will look to even its series with Penn State on Saturday at 7 p.m.