Canes break out the sticks, win by 10-run rule to snap UNC’s 11-game streak
Last week, Miami Hurricanes coach J.D. Arteaga implored his Canes to get off to faster starts. Those dramatic “Cardiac Canes” finishes — such as overcoming a nine-run deficit against then-No. 13 Virginia — were fun, but not conducive to low blood pressure.
On Friday, Miami obliged, hitting three home runs in the first two innings and smacking 16 hits in six innings at bat to give the Hurricanes an eventual 14-1 victory over No. 15 North Carolina.
The Atlantic Coast Conference instituted a 10-run rule this season, meaning the home team automatically wins after 6 1/2 innings with at least a 10-run lead.
Blake Cyr crushed a pair of two-run homers to left field in the first and second innings and Lorenzo Carrier hit a solo shot between Cyr’s boomers to make Arteaga happy and snap UNC’s 11-game win streak. In the process, behind dominant pitching by starter Gage Ziehl, UM snapped a two-game losing streak to rise to 10-7 overall and 3-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“We put a complete game together,’’ Arteaga said. “I told the team on Sunday we still hadn’t played a complete game, and when we do we’re going to be a very good team. We showed today what we’re capable of doing against a very good North Carolina team.
“We swung the bats early, Gage was very efficient early on — a 5-pitch first inning and 9-pitch second inning — and we just set the tone.’’
Cyr went 3 for 5 with 4 RBI, and Edgardo Villegas and Jason Torres each added three hits and 2 RBI.
“I’ve been saying for the past few games to the team, ‘Let’s try to get the bats going early. Let’s try to string a lot of things together early, and not get going in the sixth inning,’ Cyr said. “I’m glad tonight we finally got to show everyone what we can do when we get the bats going early.’’
Ziehl (1-1, 5.04 ERA) allowed 1 earned run on five hits and two walks in seven innings. He struck out six.
“It feels great,’’ Ziehl said. “UNC came out swinging, got me some efficient innings. My defense was making great plays behind me, too. The bats help. When they put up five runs in two innings, it doesn’t change my approach, but it helps the team morale for sure.
“I still have a job to do, and that’s put up a zero every inning.’’
The Tar Heels fell to 16-3 and 3-1. Folger Boaz (2-1, 4.68) allowed eight runs on 10 hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings for the loss.
UM entered the day sixth nationally in home runs per game, with 2.3, and eighth in total homers, with 36. After Friday, freshman Daniel Cuvet still led the team with nine home runs, followed by Cyr’s seven, which was tied with Jason Torres.
Cyr, a 2023 consensus Freshman All-American, was named the ACC Player of the Week on Monday after batting .500 (8-for-16) with three home runs and 11 RBI in the previous four games.
Cyr characterized the season as progressing “exactly the way that it’s supposed to happen.’’
“I’m happy as a team how we grow after every game and we’re learning something win or lose.’’
Said Ziehl: “I agree with Blake. We’re learning whether we win or lose. Obviously there are some games that have gotten away from us, but you’ve got to forget about those, learn from them and play the next game.’’
The Hurricanes meet the Tar Heels again at 7 p.m. Saturday. Left-handed junior Rafe Schlesinger (2-0, 4.84) will start for the Canes. Right-handed freshman Jason Decaro (1-0, 3.66) will pitch for UNC.
