David Thompson hits two home runs, including slam, to power UM past Army 9-1

Junior David Thompson was recognized with ACC Player of the Week honors Monday after powering No. 17 Miami with a prolific week at the plate.

The way Thompson performed Tuesday against Army, he could be the leading candidate for the award next week.

Thompson hit two more homers — including a third-inning grand slam that brought his team-leading total to six — and drove in five, sending host Miami to a 9-1 victory, its sixth consecutive.

The multi-home run game was a first for Thompson, who has 18 RBI in the past six games.

“I was feeling comfortable at the plate, like I have been the last couple of weeks,” Thompson said. “Just putting good swings on some pitches. Hopefully I can stay hot the rest of the year.”

The grand slam was the first of the season for Miami (16-6) and first for a Hurricane since Dale Carey hit one at Duke last May. Both of Thompson’s home runs were towering blasts.

“I knew they were gone when I hit them,” Thompson said with a smile.

The significance of playing Army was not lost on head coach Jim Morris.

“”I thought we played a good game. It’s nice to play Army. It’s an honor, really. They’re playing for Army, but at the end of their school, they have a five-year commitment to serve for our country,” Morris said. “I respect what they’re doing. They played hard, they’re well-coached, and it’s an honor to be out there playing against them.”

Miami received another strong pitching performance from left-hander Danny Garcia (4-0), who scattered six hits and one run in seven innings.

Garcia struck out six and walked one, picking up a win in his third straight start.

A two-run home run from George Iskenderian in the fourth inning moved Miami’s lead to 8-1.

“It definitely helps with [that kind of] run support,” Garcia said. “It didn’t get me comfortable, but when I see that big of a lead, I can stay focused.”

Iskenderian also made a nifty play in the top of the third, ranging to his left and stranding two runners with a throw from his knees for the final out of the inning. The play kept the score deadlocked at 1-1.

Sophomore Derik Beauprez pitched the eighth and senior Ryan Otero pitched a scoreless ninth to improve Miami’s home record to 13-1 this season.

This story was originally published March 17, 2015 at 10:16 PM with the headline "David Thompson hits two home runs, including slam, to power UM past Army 9-1."