TicketsMASON, Ohio — Both teams scored three runs in the first inning, and after some jockeying in the middle, it was Jackson Smith's RBI double in the eighth that served as the game-winner for Cincinnati over Miami (OH), 8-7, on Wednesday night at Prasco Park.
Back-to-back full-count walks with two outs in the eighth brought Smith to the plate ahead of his heroics. The middle infielder had been the primary leadoff man all year, and it was his first time hitting in the No. 3 spot.
Dominic Mauro's two scoreless innings gave him five saves on the year.
Jack Natili led the Bearcats with a two-run triple in the first and RBI double in the seventh. Smith and Derrick Pitts also had RBI singles in the third for a 5-3 UC lead. The RedHawks took the lead in the fifth on a two-run homer and run-scoring single.
Other changes included Ryan Tyranski leading off for the first time and Enzo Infelise earning his third start at catcher.
RHP Brenden Garula earned his second starting nod of the season, one of seven pitchers for the Bearcats.
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Cincinnati hosts Baylor for a crucial Big 12 series, beginning Friday at 6 p.m.