— The Miami Hurricanes are on the brink of punching their ticket to the College World Series after a thrilling 9-6 victory over the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday night at Mark Light Field. With one more win in Sunday’s regional final, the Canes would secure their spot in Omaha and continue their quest for a national championship.
The Hurricanes, now 45-18 on the season, showcased their trademark resilience and explosive offense in a high-energy matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Miami jumped out to an early lead in the second inning with a three-run outburst, highlighted by a towering home run from junior infielder Carlos Perez. Louisville responded quickly, narrowing the gap to 3-2 by the fourth, but the Canes continued to pour it on with clutch hitting throughout the middle innings.
Sophomore outfielder Jalen Rivers delivered the game’s turning point in the sixth with a two-run triple that extended Miami’s lead to 7-3. From there, the Hurricanes’ bullpen held firm despite a late push from Louisville. Freshman closer Jake Morales earned the save after stranding two runners in the top of the ninth, slamming the door on any hopes of a comeback.
“Our guys played with heart and confidence,” said head coach Gino DiMare. “They’ve believed in each other all season, and tonight was another example of how we can respond under pressure.”
Miami’s pitching staff navigated Louisville’s powerful lineup with discipline and grit. Starter Alejandro Rosario struck out six over five innings while working around several hard-hit balls. Relievers Mario Torres and Justin Vega combined for three innings of solid relief before Morales took over in the final frame.
Louisville, who came into the game off a strong win against Florida Gulf Coast, was undone by missed opportunities and Miami’s relentless offensive pressure. The Cardinals now face the uphill task of needing to win twice on Sunday to advance.
With the win, the Hurricanes sit in the driver’s seat of the regional bracket. A victory on Sunday would not only send them to Omaha for the first time since 2016 but also further solidify their status as a legitimate title contender.
First pitch for Sunday’s potential clincher is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and fans are expected to pack the stadium in hopes of witnessing history.
