Heat lose. Wade sucks. Series tied at 2.

I can’t be the only frustrated person right now. Dwyane Wade was atrocious. 9 of 26 from the field. 1 for 8 from three. The man could not buy a basket for most of the game. He also refused to get his teammates involved down the stretch. He also refused to take it to the basket and try and get to the foul line. No, no. We don’t need that. We’ll just jack up wild mid-range jumpers and contested threes. I’ve got to be honest with you. There are very few things you can criticize Wade for. The guy is amazing. However, when he gets into 1-on-5 mode it frustrates me. Even when he’s hot, he should try and get guys involved but especially when he is struggling. His inconsistent play tonight along with a joke of a defensive performance combined with zero effort on the glass extinguished the Heat’s chances from the get go. Miami looked like a bad JV girl’s basketball team on the boards and couldn’t stop anyone. ZaZa F’in Pachulia pulled down 18 rebounds. EIGHTEEN!!!! This is the same guy who averages just under six a night. Instead, the Heat’s lack of effort on the boards made him look like Dennis Rodman minus the bright colored hair and cross-dressing. Miami needs to wake up and take Game 5 on Wednesday if they hope to have any chance of advancing to round two. A loss in Atlanta in two days will almost guarantee the Heat’s elimination. Can Wade get back to form? Will the Heat stop anyone on defense? Will they rebound? Who knows? But if they don’t, they should stay in Atlanta for a while and just forfeit Game 6 because no Heat fan will want to watch another game like tonight’s.

Mustaches..Wait Mustaches? What’s that have to do with sports?

I know this is a sports blog and mustaches are not your typical sports topic but hopefully you guys will understand and enjoy this post anyway. Last night as I was watching the Cardinals beat the Mets, I noticed Redbirds outfielder Rick Ankiel had this ridiculous mustache. Now I don’t mean to offend anyone at the American Mustache Institute but that was one of the worst mustaches ever. Ankiel has said it is for good luck and as a Cardinals fan I support him fully despite the like of aesthetic qualities in his latest facial hair choice. Rick came through with some big hits last night that helped his club win a game that they seemed to be destined to lose. If he thinks it works, then go for it.

Heck, he’s not even the only Cardinal with interesting facial hair. Catcher Jason Larue kind of looks a bit like Kenny Powers of HBO’s Eastbound and Down. Former Cardinal pitchers Al Hrabosky and Dennis Eckersley were known as much for their staches as they were for their baseball skills.

Clearly the mustache is a part of sports and it has hit on campus at UM as well. I am hearing rumors that the Miami baseball team will be collectively growing mustaches. The team was recently swept at UNC and feels the mustaches will be one of the things that will help them get back on track (besides timely hitting and running the bases like they know what they’re doing). Reliever Rene Guerra already sported a fantastic mustache last season. (see below)

I don't know the result of the pitch but the stache is looking sweet!

The big right-hander seems to be leading the current mustache movement after last year’s mustachioed look along with his superb physique earned him the great nickname of one of American cinema’s greatest heroes.

I don’t know how well the facial hair thing is going to work for the Canes. I hope it does them well because let’s face it, everyone likes a winner plus it’s going to be great seeing what wacky looks some of these guys come up with. Let’s just hope no one ends up looking like this guy.

Poor Chris Carpenter

It’s no secret that I’m a die hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. I can usually be seen with a Cards shirt or cap and am proud to display the team colors. I just feel the need to vent a bit about Chris Carpenter.

Carp is the ace of the staff and one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy. Unfortunately, the healthy part has been tough to maintain lately.

He won the Cy Young in 2005 and finished third in 2006 while helping lead his team to their 10th World Series title.

Since then, it has been a string of arm injuries for the talented right-hander.

Carp has started six games since 2006.

That’s not a typo.

SIX.

He suffered setback after setback in his rehab over the past few years and Cardinals fans wondered if he would ever be right again.

Then came this spring and Carp was back. He was dominant again and looked like the Cy Young candidate everyone was used to seeing. He was brilliant in his first start of ‘09. He baffled Pirates hitters as he threw seven innings of one-hit ball.

Carp was throwing well again in his second outing. This time it was the Arizona Diamondbacks who couldn’t figure out the talented veteran. Then it all came crumbling down. Carpenter hurt his rib cage swinging in his second at-bat of the game. The inning-ending grounder to third would hurt much more than anyone anticipated.

Carp went out to warm up before the start of the bottom of the fourth when he felt the pain in his ribs. He tried to throw through it but the pain worsened with each throw. He left the game pointing at his side but most Cardinals fans, myself included, figured it was just a precautionary measure.

Later in the game, we hear he strained his ribs. Everyone in Cardinal Nation let out a collective sign of relief. At least it’s not his arm.

I know my Dad and I both thought he would miss a start or two at the most and then be back on the hill.

Then came the terrible news.

Carp underwent an MRI to determine the extent of the injury and it showed a torn oblique.

Another DL stint was in order and Carp would miss the next 4-8 weeks.

What will the Cardinals do without him?

Well, I’m watching them take on the hated Chicago Cubs and the Redbirds took a 4-3 lead in the top of the third against Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano.

Apparently, P.J. Walters, Mitchell Boggs, and whoever else the team calls up over the next few weeks will have to hold down the fort until the ace comes back.

Walters got in trouble early, allowing three runs over the first two innings but appeared to settle in afterwards while Big Z fell apart right as the rookie right-hander seemed to figure it out.

Hopefully the Cardinals can finish off this win and stay competitive over the next few weeks.

Do you think they can get by without Carpenter?

I’m not sure, but I do know two things.

The team needs the young guys to get to work and Carpenter to get well soon.

Bombs Away! McClinton is 3-Point Champ

On Thursday night, Miami’s Jack McClinton showed the world what Miami fans already knew. The senior from Baltimore, MD won the college three point contest at Ford Field in Detroit. The sharp shooting guard had 22 points in the final round to beat runner-up Eric Kangas of Oakland University.

But Jack was not done yet.

The potential NBA player went on to beat the women’s champion, Furman’s Melissa Liebschwager, by two points to claim the overall title.

While Jack had to sweat it out against Liebschwager, he did prove that he is one of the best shooters in America.

Do you think there is a better shooter than Jack in college basketball today?

Get Your Brooms Out!

The Miami Hurricanes completed a three-game sweep over their in-state rivals, the 12th-ranked Florida Gators.

The Canes took game one on Friday night 8-5 thanks to an impressive performance by Jonathan Weislow. The senior who had never hit a home run in his collegiate career made himself known to those in Gainesville with a two homer, five RBI game. Miami was able to get the victory int he opening game despite the Gators bringing out “the greatest human ever to walk the earth”, Tim Tebow, to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Saturday afternoon featured a pitcher’s duel with Miami’s David Gutierrez throwing seven shutout innings as his team secured the series victory. Miami Head Coach Jim Morris picked up his 700th victory with the program thanks to his junior right-hander’s stellar performance.

Miami’s bats came alive on Sunday as the 10th-ranked Canes blasted the Gators 16-2 to finish the sweep. Infielder’s Harold Martinez and Chris Herrmann each hit their first home run’s as Hurricanes and Sophomore Iden Nazario had another good start as he held the Gators to two runs while striking out seven over five innings of work.

The Gator frustration showed when Riley Cooper was ejected for sliding into Scott Lawson with his spikes up. Florida’s right fielder proceeded to push Lawson which led to Weislow sprinting in to defend his teammate and the benches to clear. No punches were thrown as the umpires did a good job of handling the sticky situation however Cooper looked like a classless punk that was caught playing dirty. Also a wide receiver on the UF football team, Cooper did not look like the “top one percent of the top one percent” on Sunday afternoon. I guess Tebow’s roommate needs to spend a little more time around the man the media wants you to believe is God-like.

Miami returns to Coral Gables with a 6-1 record and will be back in action on Tuesday night when they square off against the Rhode Island Rams. The first pitch is at 6:00 pm

Notes

- Miami’s first and second hitters, Nathan Melendres and Scott Lawson, have done a great job at the top of the order as they have gotten a hit in every game this season.

- I’m going to predict freshman lefty Danny Miranda will get the start against Rhode Island. The young southpaw has pitched well in both of his appearances this season and was charting pitches in the Miami dugout this afternoon.

Miami Survives Charlottesville 62-55

Miami played terrible basketball for most of tonight’s game but was able to pull through when it mattered most and come away victorious. As my friend Ryan Bofill likes to say, “we live to die another day.” An injured Jack McClinton hit some big shots down the stretch but was clearly not himself tonight. It was evident that his knee injury was bothersome as the senior struggled to get into a groove.

Coach Haith’s squad cannot afford to play at this level if they hope to make the NCAA Tournament. The Canes need to win their remaining two games and then win at least one game in the ACC Tournament to have a shot at the big dance.

Do you think Miami can win out and have a chance at the NCAA Tournament?

Former Hurricanes Named to WBC Rosters

The World Baseball Classic is a week away and rosters have been finalized for the 16 team tournament. Former Miami superstar Ryan Braun will be playing for Team USA and could square off against two other former Canes in this year’s WBC. Alex Cora and Carlos Gutierrez will be teammates on the Puerto Rican squad.

Cora was an outstanding shortstop at Miami and is probably best known as the player who immediately dropped to the ground in tears when LSU’s Warren Morris hit the game winning home run to beat the Hurricanes in the 1996 College World Series.

Gutierrez was a first round pick of the Minnesota Twins in the 2008 MLB Draft. Just 22 years old, the talented right-hander will be competing against the toughest competition he has ever faced in his career. His younger brother, David, is currently the Saturday starter for Miami.

The two former Canes will be in action on Saturday, March 7th, when Puerto Rico squares off against Panama at 5:00 PM.

Miami Drops Game 2 of Doubleheader

Wacky Play Hands Canes First Loss 5-4

By David Villavicencio

The Miami Hurricanes made eight errors over two games but it was one mental error that ended up costing them game three of their four game series against Rutgers.

“It’s just very disappointing the way we played,” Miami Head Coach Jim Morris said. “We made a lot of mistakes.”

Brandon Boykin, who was 0-for-30 for his career, led off with a single up the middle for his first career hit off of Miami reliever Rene Guerra. The single was important but it was what he did next that may stick out in the minds of Miami fans for years to come.

Michael Lang sacrificed Boykin to second but the sophomore infielder alertly took third base as well when no one was covering.

And Boykin did not stop there.

With Yasmani Grandal in front of the plate trying to set up the defense for the next hitter, Boykin broke for home and was able to score as no one was there to cover the plate. Time was never called and the young Scarlet Knight caught the Canes napping and put his team ahead for good 5-4.

“I’ve never seen that play in my life,” Grandal said. “We weren’t mentally prepared for that. Some guys missed where ever they had to go. It’s better for it to happen now than later on in the season.”

Rutgers did not waste any time getting things going against the host Hurricanes in the night cap of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday night. The Scarlet Knights were able to bring right fielder Michael Lang home on a single by cleanup hitter Jaren Matthews to give them an early 1-0 lead.

The Canes struck right back in the bottom of the first when third baseman Chris Herrmann tied the game at one with a sacrifice fly to center field that drove home Nathan Melendres.

Youst’s troubles continued in the second inning as Rutgers centerfielder Jarred Jimenez hit the first pitch well over the left field fence for a home run. The homer put the Scarlet Knights ahead 2-1.

Things did not get any easier for Miami’s young starter as his defense committed three errors in the top of the third inning and Rutgers extended their lead to two, 3-1.

The Canes clawed back to pick up a run in the bottom of the third as Dave DiNatale singled home Ryan Jackson to cut the Scarlet Knights lead to one, 3-2.

Youst’s Hurricane debut ended earlier than he would have liked as freshman lefty Danny Miranda entered in relief to open the fourth inning. Youst was hit hard and finished the night allowing three runs on three hits over three innings however only one run was earned.

In the bottom of the fifth, Miami had success against the Rutgers bullpen. Right-hander Sean Peterson entered in relief of starter Charlie Law. The tall right-hander went four innings and allowed two runs on three hits and struck out four Hurricanes.

Peterson, the son of former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson, gave up the typing run when designated hitter Iden Nazario singled to the right side to drive home Harold Martinez.

Miranda dazzled in his first two innings as a Hurricane. The southpaw from Miami Killian High School struck out three Scarlet Knights in two shut out innings before getting into some trouble in the top of the sixth.

Rutgers took the lead 4-3 on a sacrifice fly deep to center field by Jarred Jimenez. This was the only time the Scarlet Knights were able to do any damage to Miranda but it proved to be the right time as it put the pressure on the Hurricanes to come from behind for the second time in one day.

And that’s exactly what they did. Catcher Yasmani Grandal hit a home run that just got over the right field fence to tie the game at four. It was his second home run in as many days and this time the sophomore catcher gave his team new life.

The new life was short lived as Brandon Boykin almost single handedly beat Miami with his seventh inning play. The sophomore’s alert base running put Rutgers three outs away from securing their first victory of the season.

“I don’t know how you could practice for that play other than just making sure you’re in the right positions,” DiNatale said. “It was something idiotic that happened and it’s something that’s never going to happen here at Miami. I can guarantee you that.”

Tony Wargo was able to keep the Canes from scoring in the final inning but it wasn’t without some adventure.

Dave DiNatale opened the inning with a long double to left field that was inches from tying the game up. Iden Nazario walked to put the go-ahead run on base with no outs. Coach Morris sent up Ryan Perry to try and sacrifice the runners over but he was unable to as Wargo threw out DiNatale at third.

Rutgers nearly ended the game on the next batter as Jonathan Weislow hit a grounder to short. The Knights retired Perry at second but Weislow was able to beat the throw to first and give the Canes one last breath.

Freshman Nathan Melendres worked a walk to load the bases for Scott Lawson who had been a thorn in Rutgers’ side all weekend long.

However, Wargo got the best of Lawson this time getting him to pop out to third and picking up his first victory of the season.

“It was going back and forth the whole game,” DiNatale said. “We played really sloppy. To be in that position to win the game I thought was great for our team the way we played. We’re a lot better team than that. Hopefully we can use this as a stepping stone and learn form our mistakes and come out tomorrow and put some runs up.”

The two teams will be back in action tomorrow afternoon in the final game of this four game series. Rutgers will send junior Kyle Bradley to the mound while Miami will start sophomore Iden Nazario. The first pitch is as 1:00 PM.

Canes Take Game 1 on Saturday

Late Heroics Push Canes Past Rutgers 4-2

By David Villavicencio

Canes fans have to go back to 1997 to find the last time Miami scheduled a doubleheader. The Hurricanes won both halves of that twin billing against Coastal Carolina. Miami opened up Saturday’s doubleheader against Rutgers on a good note taking game one against the Scarlet Knights 4-2.

The Hurricanes got on the board first when designated hitter Chris Herrmann singled home Scott Lawson to put Miami up 1-0. Miami’s second baseman reached on a one-out single in the bottom of the third inning. The junior from Texas also stole second before Ryan Jackson walked and Herrmann came through with his first RBI in orange and green.

The Scarlet Knights struck back in the top of the fifth as they took advantage of poor defense by the Hurricanes. D.J. Anderson led off with a base hit and then came the errors. Brandon Boykin grounded to third but Miami third baseman could not make a good throw to second allowing Rutgers to get two men on with no outs. Following a Michael Lang fly out, Pat Biserta came through with a two-run single to give his team a 2-1 lead over the Hurricanes.

Miami starter David Gutierrez allowed two runs over five innings of work although only one was earned. The junior right-hander tied a career-high with five strikeouts in his first appearance of the 2009 season.

Rutgers removed starter Dennis Hill due to an injury before the start of the bottom half of the sixth inning. The junior left-hander had a good start to his 2009 campaign allowing one run on two hits over five innings pitched. This was Hill’s first appearance since 2007 as he missed ass of last season due to a concussion suffered when he was hit in he head by a line drive in a 2008 practice.

In relief came junior Kevin Lillis and the right-hander did not have a positive 2009 debut.

The Miami bats came alive in the bottom of the sixth. Catcher Yasmani Grandal led off with a walk. Following a Harold Martinez pop out to first, senior Dave DiNatale doubled down the left field line to put pinch runner Ryan Perry at third and give the Canes two runners in scoring position with one out.

Jason Hagerty struck out to put all the pressure on senior Jonathan Weislow. The Miami left fielder crushed a line drive to left in the second inning that was caught by Jarred Jimenez to end a Miami scoring threat. This time the speedy outfielder came through with a two-run single up the middle to give Miami a 3-2 lead.

Freshman Nathan Melendres extended the Hurricane lead to two on a triple to right-center field to drive home Weislow and end the night for Lillis.

Coach Morris sent out closer Kyle Bellamy to shut the door in the seventh and that’s exactly what the sidewinder did. The junior flamethrower stuck out three on his way to picking up his first save of the season.

Travis Miller, who relieved Gutierrez in the sixth inning, picked up his first win as a Hurricane.

Miami will try to sweep the Saturday doubleheader in game three of this four game series against the Scarlet Knights. The teams will send two promising freshmen right-handers to the mound. For Rutgers, it will be 6’8” Charlie Law and Miami will counter with Kevin Youst.

Notes

- The Hurricanes committed four errors in this game. This is the most errors since April 13, 2007 when they commited 5 errors against the NC State Wolf Pack.

Miami Down One Big Man vs UNC

As I walked through the door of the BankUnited Center tonight, I got word that the Hurricanes will be without Dwayne Collins for tonight’s game. The junior big man rolled his ankle and is day-to-day. Miami already faced atough opponent in the No. 3 Tar Heels. Tyler Hansbrough and Deon Thompson should have big nights against a short-handed Miami frontcourt.

How big of a loss do you think Collins is to the Canes tonight?