2008 Woodie Awards
Miami baseball sweeps Toledo
Stifling defense, powerful offense gives MU first three MAC East wins
Dan Kukla
Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: Sports
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Solid starting pitching backed by an opportunistic offense was the key to Miami's three victories as the 'Hawks overwhelmed their opponents on both offense and defense.
After the series opener was rained out Friday night, starting pitchers John Ely and Connor Graham each threw gems in their respective games of Saturday's doubleheader. Ely picked up the win in the first game, pitching 8.2 innings and allowing just two earned runs on nine hits.
Graham followed Ely's gem with one of his own in the second game of the doubleheader, going eight innings while allowing just one earned run on five hits.
Sunday afternoon was a different story, as the RedHawks were forced to out muscle the Rockets in an offensive battle, eventually winning 9-6.
The series sweep was critical for the Red and White, allowing it to get off to a perfect start in the MAC.
"This is when the season really starts," Ely said. "You get your other games in but these are the ones you really want to win because your main goal is to be conference champions and then on from there."
Ely and Graham set the tone for the weekend with their dominant performances. Their ability to go deep into their games allowed Miami to rest a bullpen that had been used extensively during its previous games.
Between last Tuesday's 14-inning marathon against Indiana State and Wednesday's battle with Xavier, the 'Hawks had used a total of 11 different pitchers. Faced with the always tiring task of playing a double header, fatigue was sure to play a factor.
"It's a long day, everybody knows that," Ely said. "It's tough but at the same time usually everybody is pretty capable of staying up. We've got a lot of fiery guys on our squad."
Nevertheless, the performances of Ely and Graham proved to be more important than many had originally thought, as Sunday's game turned into a battle of the bullpens.
Starting pitcher Jeff Day was only able to go three innings for Miami, while Toledo's starter Todd Thomas was knocked out after getting just one out in the ballgame. He allowed six earned runs on six hits against the 'Hawks.
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