TicketsFeb. 24, 2008
Coral Gables, Fla.-- Righthander Tyler Smith pitched four innings of shutout baseball before giving up two runs in the fifth inning and the University of Cincinnati never managed a serious scoring threat, falling 8-0 in the series finale against the University of Miami.
"Tyler gave us everything he had today," stated head coach Brian Cleary. "We saw today that we need to improve at the plate and with our bullpen. We challenged ourselves by starting the year against a very good Miami team. We have to take what we have learned and improve next week."
Making his Division I debut, Smith allowed two hits through the fi rst four innings before running into trouble in the fifth against the Hurricanes. The sophomore yielded a double to start the fi fth and after retiring the next two batters,hit the next Hurricane hitter. Adam Calez came into the game and allowed a two-run double to put UC behind, 2-0.
The Bearcats relievers, Calez, Nick Johnson, Matt Heber, Brian Garman, and Evan Sanford combined to allow six runs over the final three Hurricanes' at-bats to push the margin to 8-0.
Cincinnati mounted its best off ensive threat in the fifth inning when freshman Justin Riddell opened the frame with a single up the middle. Riddell moved to second after Tyler Goodro's sacrifice bunt. Miami starting pitcher Chris Hernandez retired the next two UC batters to get out of the jam. Making his collegiate debut, Hernandez struck out eight and allowed three hits in six innings of work.
Goodro opened the eighth with a single off of reliever Jason Santana, but did not move past second base in the only other inning in which Cincinnati had a baserunner reach second.
Cincinnati returns home to Marge Schott Stadium for a four-game series against Chicago State next weekend, Feb. 29-March 2. Friday's home opener is set to to begin at 4 p.m.