Canes Looking for Ninth Straight Home Win as They Take on UCF

Fresh off of four straight wins against in state opponents, the Miami Hurricanes will have another shot to take down a home state rival as the UCF Knights make the trip south to Coral Gables for a midweek matchup. This will be the lone meeting between the two teams this year after splitting the two matchups last season. UM leads the all-time series 11-6 but things have been very even in more recent years. Miami and UCF have traded wins and losses over the last 6 games dating back to 2016 with the Canes taking the most recent showdown toward the end of last season.

While the two teams will be coming together on the diamond Tuesday night, they have been going in opposite directions as of late. Miami is back on track and has won four straight games including a sweep of rival Florida State Seminoles. As the Canes seem to be getting back in stride, the Knights have fallen into a bit of a rut. UCF has lost five out of their last six games including a series loss to USF and a midweek loss to FAU.

It won’t be an easy game for UCF to try to turn the tide against in state opponents, as they will be traveling down to Mark Light Field where the Canes have been nearly unbeatable as of late. Miami is 17-3 at home on the year and has won eight straight games in Coral Gables. The Canes have been winning in dominating fashion, outscoring their opponents 80-34 over the eight game home winning streak. On the mound for the Knights, to try to slow down this Miami offense, will be true freshman Cameron Leiter. Leiter, the nephew of former MLB pitcher Al Leiter, has pitched 18 innings on the year and currently has an ERA of 9.18. Leiter will have to try keep the ball inside the ballpark, as the Canes have been teeing off on opposing pitchers and currently sit seventh in the nation in home runs. Miami will be led by its three batters hitting over .330 this season in Yohandy Morales, CJ Kayfus and Zach Levenson.

UCF has struggled as of late, but is still a team that can put up runs in a hurry.  UCF ranks top 20 in college baseball in home runs and has an impressive team batting average of .294. UCF’s offense stops and starts with senior Ben McCabe. There are not many players in the country having a better season at the plate than McCabe who is currently hitting .394 with 11 home runs and 23 RBIs. Tasked with containing McCabe and the UCF Knights will be Alejandro Rosario. Rosario has struggled this season and has an ERA of 8.27 through seven starts. Rosario will look to settle in at home where the Canes have been providing plenty of run support.

First pitch tonight is 6PM at Mark Light Field where Miami looks for their ninth straight home win. This is a big game for the Canes to keep the momentum rolling before hitting the road this weekend to face off against a top ten Virginia team in Charlottesville.