Miami, Florida – The goal of reaching Omaha has begun for the Miami Hurricanes, as they dominated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks 13-2 in the season opener. Although UM’s bats were somewhat slow to wake up, two big innings propelled them to the win, with Friday night ace AJ Ciscar on the mound. Ciscar pitched five frames, allowing two earned runs on five hits, striking out seven.
At the plate, Alex Sosa led the way, going 2-for-5, including two runs, four RBIs, and the team’s first homer of the season. Max Galvin, meanwhile, also went 2-for-5, scoring twice, recording three RBIs, and hitting a double. Speaking of doubles, Derek Williams finished 3-for-4, smacking back-to-back two-baggers and knocking in a run.
SOSA BOMBA INCOMING 💣 pic.twitter.com/ssYPTzj5eW
— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 14, 2026
After largely cruising through the first two innings, Ciscar and the Hurricanes ran into some trouble in the third. Miami’s starter retired the first hitter before giving up a single, followed by a hit-by-pitch. Ciscar fanned the next batter, but a hit up the middle led to miscommunication with newly converted second baseman Jake Ogden, resulting in a bases-loaded situation. Daniel Cuvet then mishandled Trystan Crawford’s light grounder, turning a routine play into a fielding error, allowing the Mountain Hawks to jump to an early 1-0 lead. Lehigh’s advantage didn’t last long.
The Hurricanes would explode for six runs in the third. Pouncing on back-to-back walks to start the rally, Galvin recorded UM’s first hit and first double of the 2026 season, plating two. Sosa followed up by hammering Miami’s first home run of the season. Fabio Peralta capped off the effort with an RBI single.
Sit 'em down, Dorn 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1VWFP6w0o9
— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 14, 2026
Lehigh scratched their second run in the sixth via an RBI hit off reliever Brixton Lofgren. They would threaten again during the eighth with two runners in scoring position. However, Miami’s newest closer, Ryan Bilka, struck out Dom Patrizi, successfully turning them away. Unwilling to settle, the Canes exploded for seven runs on six hits in the eighth, ending all hope of an upset.
Impressions
Alex Sosa is now in the presser.#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/nL3hvD7yLS
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) February 14, 2026
Outside of those two innings, the team was uneven in its performance. You could definitely see the rust in their play and composure. There was a particularly cold span when five of the last six batters struck out for the Hurricanes. On top of that, the defensive miscues accounted for three errors. However, it’s to be expected. That eighth inning explosion showed they didn’t get complacent. The bullpen got into some jams but worked their way out. I will certainly keep an eye on their relief throughout the season. Regardless, a win is a win.
Gus Bus Award
Alex Sosa’s three-run homer was a big flex for an offense that’s slated for plenty of power. Arteaga’s offseason praise is looking well-earned early on.
You’re Killing Me Smalls
Danny Dingers going hitless was a bit disappointing, but hey, he drew two walks at least. It’s only the first game.
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