Noles Even Up the Series

The Canes jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 3 game series between the #1 and #2 teams in the country by dropping 10 runs in the 6th inning yesterday. Freshman Chris Hernandez had a tough time with the FSU lineup but still pitched well enough to keep the Canes in the game and pick up the win to go to 6-0 this season.

However, Enrique Garcia again struggled and got rocked today by FSU in a 9-5 loss. His 6 earned runs cost the Canes dearly, especially with a late 5-4 lead. It also gave him his first loss of the season (2-1). Miami did jump on the Noles early with a 4-0 lead but couldn't solve the relief pitching after FSU pulled started Geoff Parker.

Tomorrow is the crucial rubber game that will probably determine who will be ranked #1 next season. Bragging rights would be nice as well. It should be a climactic finale to this series, with sophomore Eric Erickson making his long-awaited return. I'm not sure it's the best idea to throw him in there against such a good team after a month off, but if Jim Morris has confidence in his guy, then so be it.