University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Miami
Miller, Tar Heels Blank No. 2 Miami, 2-0
May 16, 2004 | Baseball
May 16, 2004
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Freshman lefty Andrew Miller allowed just three hits and struck out a career-high 11 batters over eight shutout innings to lead No. 16 North Carolina (36-15) to a 2-0 win over No. 2 Miami (37-11) Sunday at Mark Light Field. With the win, the Tar Heels became the first team to take a three-game series from the Hurricanes this season.
Miller, who fanned the side in the fifth, is the first Tar Heel pitcher reach double-digit strikeouts since Adam Kalkhof struck out 10 against Georgia Tech on April 5, 2003. Miller, who has allowed just two earned runs over his 29.2 innings pitched, lowered his earned run average to 2.39 on the season.
Senior Michael Gross came on to work the ninth for his sixth save of the season and second of the series. Miller and Gross combined for 12 strikeouts, the most by Miami in a single game this season. The Tar Heel defense turned three double plays, which equaled a season best.
Hurricane starter Brandon Camardese (5-2) took the loss but also had a strong outing, allowing one run on four hits and three walks. He also struck out six batters in 7.2 innings.
Camardese held the Tar Heels hitless until first baseman Wes Moyer broke a scoreless tie with an RBI single to right with two out in the fourth. Catcher Chris Iannetta scored on Moyer's hit, but right fielder Marshall Hubbard was thrown out a home by Hurricane right fielder Richard Giannotti to end the inning and hold the Carolina lead to 1-0. Moyer also drove in three runs in Friday's win.
Carolina added an insurance run in the ninth when designated hitter Sammy Hewitt scored from third on a bases loaded wild pitch by Miami reliever Danny Gil, which gave the Tar Heels a 2-0 lead.
With the win, the Tar Heels, who allowed just five runs in the series, are now 6-6 on the season against top-25 opponents. Head coach Mike Fox is now 5-2 all-time against Miami, which was shutout Sunday for the first time since February 13.
Junior Justin Webb started at third for the first time since suffering a fractured left arm after being hit by a pitch at Wake Forest April 2.
Carolina returns to action Tuesday against Davidson at 6 p.m. at Boshamer Stadium. The Tar Heels host NC State for a three-game set beginning Thursday to close out the regular season.
