Miami Hurricanes collapse late, drop opener to Florida Gators

Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes stumbled in their first test of the season Friday night, falling apart in the eighth, losing 7-2 to the Florida Gators. After rallying to tie it during the sixth inning, the Seventeenth-ranked Canes faded, allowing five runs on three hits and an error. Jacob Kendall assisted in retaking the lead for the No. 10 Gators with a home run to deep right. It only got worse. Jake Ogden committed a fielding error on a very high pop fly in shallow left, resulting in AJ Ciscar getting pulled. Ciscar had gone seven deep, surrendering four runs (three earned) on five hits, striking out six. Nearing 100 pitches, the bullpen took over. Packy Bradley-Cooney was abruptly yanked when he walked the sole batter he faced.

THERE IT IS‼️

JK leaves the yard 🃏

🎥 ACCN pic.twitter.com/kQgbWGyuKU

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) February 28, 2026

Jake Dorn suffered the same fate once he gave up the RBI single to Brendan Lawson, a top prospect for the 2027 MLB Draft. Lawson was a menace, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a home run. Lazaro Collera came next, walking two, including a bases-loaded free pass on a tight payoff pitch. Former Cane Blake Cyr’s sac fly and Caden McDonald’s RBI hit capped off the effort. The Miami Mashers were unable to mount a response, experiencing their first loss of the season. UF now leads the overall series 137-136-1. The defeat came on the same night the program honored Jay Rokeach (“JayRo”), unveiling his jersey on the outfield walls of Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field for being the in-stadium voice for over 50 years.

take what they give us 🚶‍♂️

🎥 ACCN pic.twitter.com/W7KFQYSn9p

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) February 28, 2026

Florida flexed in the first off Lawson’s solo shot. UF extended the lead in the fourth on Cash Strayer’s sacrifice fly. After struggling against Liam Peterson for much of the night, Miami got on the board in the sixth. Ogden’s unexpected check-swing double down the right-field line and Michael Torres’ hit allowed the Cardiac Canes to have runners at the corners. Peterson struck out Daniel Cuvet and Alex Sosa, hoping to continue the shutout. Derek Williams’ nibbler, however, stayed within the line long enough to hit third base, plating Ogden. It ended Peterson’s night. Although West tied it via a base hit, this is as far as they’d go.

Impressions

C-Mac caps it with a pinch-hit RBI 👊

🎥 ACCN pic.twitter.com/S2hpEYSxj8

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) February 28, 2026

The Canes hadn’t seen this level of arm, and it showed. Furthermore, Ciscar pitched well, but the bullpen could not stop the surge. Conversely, I will say, had Ogden not committed the error, things could’ve played out differently. Miami can’t rely on powering its way through a slow start. For example, they found their first scoring opportunity in the fifth. Derek Williams and Brylan West each recorded a hit, putting on enough pressure to cause a mound visit. The opposing ace regained control, however, retiring Alonzo Alvarez, Dylan Dubovik, and Jailen Watkins. Conference play starts next weekend, and it won’t be the cupcakes of the first two weeks. Consequently, salvaging the series is certainly possible, but the Gators are illustrating the Hurricanes aren’t where they want to be, again.

Gus Bus Award

Suppose I had to hand it to someone, Ciscar. Otherwise, this goes to nobody.

You’re Killing Me Smalls

Cuvet went hitless and struck out twice, including a terrible at-bat in the sixth.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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