Taking on the Canes

Got into Jacksonville today and took the family to dinner at The Jacksonville Landing and I must admit there was hardly any buzz concerning the tournament. I did see some Clemson faithful and they seemed jazzed up about the opening round match up with Miami.

Clemson and Miami (FL) have met 49 times on the diamond, with the Hurricanes holding a 26-22-1 lead in the series dating back to the 1977 season. Earlier this season, the Hurricanes swept the Tigers in three games at Mark Light Field. Last year, the two teams split four games, including Clemson’s 5-4 win in 13 innings in the ACC Tournament. Alex Lee’s walk off, suicide squeeze bunt gave Clemson the victory. The Tigers hold a 9-5 lead in the series since Miami joined the ACC prior to the 2005 season, including a 2-0 lead in ACC Tournament games. The Tigers also defeated the Hurricanes 9-1 in the 2005 ACC Tournament. Miami holds a 7-6 lead all-time in neutral-site games as well. Jack Leggett is 14-14 against the Hurricanes as Clemson’s head coach, including a 4-4 mark in neutral-site contests. He was also 0-1 against Miami as head coach at Western Carolina, meaning he is 14-15 all-time against the Hurricanes.

Miami (FL) will start lefthander and ACC Freshman-of-the-Year Chris Hernandez (10-0, 2.67 ERA) on the mound. The Miami, FL native has made 13 starts for a total of 84.1 innings pitched. He has allowed 67 hits (.216 opponents’ batting average) and 14 walks with 87 strikeouts. He has also allowed just 12 extra-base hits, including only two homers. The Tigers will counter with junior righthander D.J. Mitchell (6-4, 3.11 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rural Hall, NC native has made 13 starts and six relief appearances for a total of 92.2 innings pitched. He has allowed 89 hits (.254 opponents’ batting average) and 37 walks with 95 strikeouts.

Air time for us on network lines is supposed to be 12:45pm, but with a game in front of us starting at 10am I wouldn't be surprised if we don't hit the airwaves until sometime around 1:15pm. I will check in tomorrow after game one. Go Tigers!