Panthers Edged by Miami, 13-10, in Series Opener

Friday, March 29

Pittsburgh, PA

6 PM

Pitt

7-17, 1-9-0

Miami

17-9, 4-6-0

Miami

Pittsburgh

Panthers Edged by Miami, 13-10, in Series Opener

3/29/2019 11:23:00 PM | Baseball

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Perry Homers Twice in Defeat

PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh baseball team dropped the opener of a weekend series against Miami Friday night, falling 13-10 at Charles L. Cost Field in Pittsburgh.

"I think you saw two teams that were fighting back and forth, taking advantage of some gifts," said head coach Mike Bell. "We ultimately had too many walks on the mound. We did a good job of attacking their starter, [Evan] McKendry, who did a great job today. I really liked the energy that our dugout had and what we were able to make a comeback, because we kept giving them opportunities, but we kept fighting back and giving ourselves a chance."

The Panthers found themselves in an early hole, as a three-run second inning gave the visiting team the advantage. Pitt would respond in the bottom of the frame as three singles loaded the bases before a walk to Sky Duff plated Pitt's first run of the outing.

The Hurricanes continued to add to their lead in the top of the fourth with a two-run home run to right.

Pitt fought back in the fifth, scoring three of its own to cut the lead to 6-4. Ron Washington Jr. led off the inning, taking first after being hit by a pitch. A walk to David Yanni put two aboard, before a ground out moved both into scoring position. Bryce O'Farrell would bring Washington Jr. around on a single to right before freshman Andres Antonini would smack a double off the top of the wall in left center, scoring two to cut the Miami advantage to two.

Connor Perry would launch his sixth homer of the season into right center in the sixth, pulling the Panthers within one.

Miami, however, would put up a big eighth inning, scoring four to gain a five-run advantage.

Pitt continued to fight, responding with a pair in the bottom of the inning. Back-to-back singles from Perry and Cole MacLaren got things going for the Panthers, as a throwing error would allow Washington Jr. to reach, loading the bases. Two straight walks to Yanni and Popa would bring two home for the Panthers.

A three-run ninth inning for Miami gave the visiting team a commanding 13-7 advantage. Pitt kept things interesting in the bottom of the frame as Perry tallied his second homer of the game, this time sending a three-run shot to left field. The Panthers, however, were unable to overcome the deficit, as Miami hung on for a 13-10 victory.

Offensively, Perry led the way, going 3-6 with four RBI and three runs scored. Popa and O'Farrell also tallied three hits on the evening, as Pitt out-hit Miami 15-14.

Derek West (0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing six runs off six hits and five walks, striking out two over 3.2 innings. Billy Corcoran tossed a solid 3.0 innings of relief, letting up two hits and fanning a pair. David Moore, Chase Smith, Christian Camacho, Mason Ronan and Chris Gomez all saw work.

The Panthers return to action for game two of the series tomorrow, with first pitch set for 12 p.m.

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