March 9, 2010
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
Orlando, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Holding a 7-5 record, UCF will entertain No. 13 Miami Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. live on Bright House Sports Network with David Baumann and 1988 Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola on the call. The first 250 fans through the gates will receive a free black UCF T-shirt.
Schedule:
Tuesday vs. No. 13 Miami - Orlando, Fla. - 7:05 p.m.
Records:
Miami - 7-3 Overall, 0-0 ACC
UCF - 7-5 Overall, 0-0 C-USA
Stadium:
Jay Bergman Field (2,230)
Series:
UM leads, 21-4
Live Stats and Video:
UCFAthletics.com
Television:
Live on Bright House Sports Network
Radio
Tuesday - 740-AM and UCFAthletics.com
Upcoming Opponent
-Miami shot off to a 5-0 start thanks to a sweep of Rutgers and a series win over Manhattan. The Hurricanes also defeated South Florida in midweek action March 2, then took one of three vs. Florida en route to a 7-3 record.
-Steven Ewing will take the mound for the Hurricanes after helping UM to a 15-2 win vs. USF last week. The freshman went 6.1 innings with six hits and two runs against.
-The UM offense notched two hits in game one and four hits in game three of its series with Florida, but did record 11 in its game two victory. For the season, the Hurricanes hold a .280 average with 13 homers and 16 steals.
The Series
-UCF and UM have not squared off on the diamond since 1995, while the Hurricanes will make their first appearance at UCF since Feb. 11, 1990.
-UM currently holds a 21-4 lead in the series.
That Was Yesterday
-Only a year ago, Tuesday's starting pitchers were suiting up for the same team, as UCF LHP Brian Adkins and UM LHP Steven Ewing competed for Orlando's University High School.
-The Cougars' field is only about three miles away in relation to the UCF baseball complex.
I Remember You
-Miami served as one of UCF's very first opponents as the two squads faced off three times during the Knights' inaugural 1973 season. But it was the Hurricanes who led the series and are 21-4 going into Tuesday's tilt. And they have only met 14 times dating back to 1985 when the Black and Gold moved to D-I
-Known as the Florida Tech Goldsox in its early seasons, UCF earned its first win over the Hurricanes in 1974 in Coral Gables, then shutout UM in Orlando, 1-0, in 1975. The Knights also claimed victories in Coral Gables in 1985 and 1995. That triumph in '95 marked the last time UCF and UM would meet, that is until 2010.
First-Inning Production
-UCF has scored at least one run in the first inning in eight of 12 games this year.
-A major reason for that attack is freshman Ronnie Richardson, who has drawn a walk six times to leadoff the game. He eventually came around to score on five of those occasions.
Right-Field Deck Opens March 5-7
-The Right-Field Deck debuted March 5-7 and accommodates 100+ fans. Groups of 20 or more can reserve their spot on the deck starting at $100, which includes game tickets. All you can eat catering packages for groups start at $12 per person. Groups interested in renting the new deck should contact the Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000 or via E-Mail at tickets@athletics.ucf.edu.
-When the deck is not rented for group outings, it is open to all fans in the stadium and serve as a General Admission first come, first serve area with concessions available for purchase.
Senior Spark No. 1
-When the season began, senior Chris Duffy was looked upon as a veteran who needed to take charge of the team. He is certainly doing just that.
-The left fielder owns a .457 average, going 21-for-46 with 18 RBI, 13 runs, nine doubles and five homers.
-He notched three doubles vs. Duquesne March 2, which was one shy of the UCF record. -Duffy also came within one of the school mark in both RBI (seven), total bases (12) and homers (two) vs. Savannah State Feb. 20.
Senior Spark No. 2
-Meanwhile senior Shane Brown picked up where he left off in 2009. The Winter Park native claims a .458 mark at the plate with 22 hits, five doubles, two homers and 14 RBI.
-The right fielder owns a nine-game hitting streak, along with posting at least two hits in each of the last eight outings.