CORAL GABLES — In a matter of minutes, the Miami Hurricanes turned a one-run deficit into a commanding eight-run lead, reminding everyone why baseball is a game of momentum shifts.
When the bottom of the fifth inning began at Mark Light Stadium, Louisville held a slim 2-1 lead. By the time it ended, the Cardinals were staring at a 10-2 scoreboard. The Hurricanes' explosive nine-run rally propelled them to a 13-8 series-opening victory over Louisville on Thursday night.
The game didn't start in Miami's favor. Louisville struck first in the opening inning, scoring two runs after a flared single and an error by shortstop Vance Sheahan set up a two-RBI double from Cardinals right fielder Griffin Crain. But the Hurricanes answered quickly, with second baseman Jake Ogden leading off the bottom of the first with a triple and scoring on a groundout by left fielder Max Galvin.
From there, both starting pitchers settled into a rhythm. Miami starter Rob Evans found his groove, retiring 11 straight batters from the second inning through the start of the sixth. For three innings, the game remained deadlocked at 2-1.
The pivotal moment came in the fifth when Cardinals starter Wyatt Danilowicz exited with an apparent injury after allowing just one run on four hits. His replacement, Ty Starke, couldn't contain the Hurricanes' attack. Ogden delivered an RBI single to tie the game, and then the floodgates opened.
Star outfielder Derek Williams drew a bases-loaded walk to give Miami the lead against Louisville's third pitcher of the inning, Peter Michael. Designated hitter Alex Sosa followed with a single to left-center, and first baseman Brylan West crushed a two-run double down the left-field line. Sheahan added an RBI single, and freshman third baseman Gabriel Milano—stepping in for the injured Daniel Cuvet—kept the line moving with another RBI single. Center fielder Fabio Peralta drove in a run with a groundout, and Sheahan later scored on a wild pitch.
When the dust settled, the Hurricanes had sent 14 batters to the plate and turned a tight contest into a blowout. Evans finished his night with six innings pitched, allowing two earned runs while striking out eight.
The win improves Miami to 34-14 overall and 14-11 in ACC play, while Louisville drops to 26-24 and 10-15 in conference action. The two teams continue their three-game series with game two scheduled for Friday.