Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Miami Baseball’s streak of six consecutive series wins is over after poor fielding and bullpen failures led to the Hurricanes (33-14, 13-11 ACC) dropping two of three games last weekend against the North Carolina State Wolfpack (30-17, 12-12 ACC) at Doak Field at Dail Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Hurricanes’ hopes of hosting a regional in the NCAA Tournament have nearly disappeared. Miami is still expected to play in a regional, but where they play and their seeding will be determined by their performance in the remaining two conference series and the ACC Tournament.

The Canes host Louisville (26-22, 10-14 ACC) on May 7 at 7 p.m., May 8 at 7 p.m. and May 9 at 2 p.m. before traveling to Tallahassee for a three-game series against Florida State (33-14, 15-9 ACC) from May 14-16.

Under the ACC Tournament’s new single-elimination format, the top four teams in conference standings receive double-byes, while teams seeded fifth through eighth receive first-round byes. Tournament play begins May 19 at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If Miami wins its final six conference games, the Hurricanes would secure a double-bye. The Canes could also earn one through a combination of wins and losses involving Florida State, North Carolina and Boston College. At minimum, Miami is in position to earn a first-round bye.

The series in Raleigh was originally scheduled for Friday through Sunday, but weather concerns forced a Friday doubleheader and a Saturday night finale.

Miami jumped out to a 6-0 lead in Friday’s opener before NC State erupted for eight runs in the fourth inning. The Wolfpack capitalized on walks, hit batters and timely hitting to take an 8-6 lead.

The Hurricanes rallied in the seventh inning when Jake Ogden drew an RBI walk and Max Galvin launched a grand slam to put Miami ahead 11-9. Derek Williams later added an RBI single in the ninth as Miami won the opener 12-9.

Friday night’s second game told a different story. Miami ace Rob Evans (8-3) struggled with control issues, and the bullpen failed to stop the momentum after his exit. NC State built an 11-0 lead before Miami mounted a brief comeback attempt in the seventh inning. The Wolfpack eventually won 13-6.

Saturday’s rubber game featured another strong start from AJ Ciscar, but defensive miscues and relief pitching problems again proved costly. Two third-inning errors by Gabriel Milano led to unearned runs, and Miami’s bullpen surrendered six earned runs over the final innings.

Miami briefly led 7-5 after Max Galvin delivered a two-run double in the sixth inning, but NC State responded with late offense, including a grand slam by Sherman Johnson in the eighth inning, to secure a 12-7 victory and the series win.

Despite the disappointing weekend, Miami still has reason for optimism. Evans and Ciscar have established themselves as reliable frontline starters capable of pitching deep into games, which could prove critical in regional and super regional play.

The Hurricanes will now look to regroup at Mark Light Field against Louisville in a pivotal ACC series.