Squandered opportunities early cost Hurricanes in Game 1 of Louisville Super Regional

The Miami Hurricanes dropped game one of the NCAA Louisville Super Regional, falling 8-1 Friday at Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville. A five-run third inning propelled the Cardinals while the Hurricanes struggled to convert early opportunities – stranding eight runners over the first four innings.

Miami starter AJ Ciscar (6-2) took the loss after allowing six earned runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings. Louisville right-hander Patrick Forbes (4-2) earned the win, striking out nine while surrendering just one earned run on four hits across 5.2 innings.

In the top of the second inning, the Hurricanes missed a prime scoring opportunity with the bases loaded and one out after two walks and a hit batter from Louisville starter Patrick Forbes. But Forbes bounced back with a pair of strikeouts to escape the jam unscathed.

With momentum shifting to the Cardinals, Louisville responded in the bottom half with back-to-back home runs from Garret Pike and Jake Munroe, giving the Super Regional host a 2-0 lead.

In the following inning, Daniel Cuvet was hit by a pitch, Dorian Gonzalez Jr. doubled to right, and Derek Williams worked a walk to load the bases for the second consecutive frame. Senior Renzo Gonzalez followed with a sacrifice fly to left, bringing home Cuvet and trimming Miami’s deficit to 2-1.

Louisville broke the game open in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a series of miscues and timely hitting. After a leadoff groundout, Gavin Klein doubled down the left field line and Will Rose was intentionally walked. A hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, setting the stage for Louisville’s offensive attack.

Pike reached on a fielder’s choice to the pitcher and advanced to second on a throwing error, which allowed two runs to score. Munroe followed with a three-run homer to left, extending the Cardinals’ lead. The inning continued with back-to-back singles from Tague Davis and Kamau Neighbors, prompting a pitching change as AJ Ciscar was relieved by Josh Dorn, who finished the inning.

Miami’s bullpen limited the damage, allowing just one additional run on a sacrifice fly from Munroe in the fourth. However, the Hurricanes’ offensive struggles persisted, finishing 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and 2-for-16 with runners on base.

Miami (34-26) will look to even the series and avoid elimination on Saturday against Louisville at 11 a.m. in a game that will be televised on ESPN.