Returning with a vengeance
Miami's Santos shuts down Long Beach State 3-1
Posted: Friday May 29, 1998 11:52 PM
| |
Storm warning: Pat Burrell's (right) solo blast in the second put the Hurricanes ahead to stay (AP) |
OMAHA, Nebraska (AP) -- On the same mound a year ago, Alex Santos had a game to forget. This time, he pitched a game to remember.
Santos allowed only four hits and struck out eight in eight innings as second-seeded Miami began its fifth straight College World Series with a 3-1 victory over No. 7 Long Beach State on Friday night.
In his last visit to Omaha, Santos was shelled in an 8-6 loss to Alabama. Last year's game was a distant memory as he baffled the 49ers with fastballs and curves that consistently found the mark.
"I think it was probably the experience factor," Santos said. "Last year, I came out little more nervous. I was a freshman, and I got hit pretty hard. Tonight, I just tried to come back and pitch strong."
Miami (51-10) next plays Sunday against Arizona State, which beat Florida State 11-10. Long Beach State (41-22-1), which lost for the second time in the last 17 games, will play the Seminoles in an elimination game Sunday.
Santos (15-1) didn't allow a hit until Curt Lee's one-out bunt single in the sixth. Second baseman Manny Crespo rushed the ball as it dribbled through the infield and Lee beat the off-balance throw.
"It was a great bunt," Santos said. "I didn't expect it. It was nicely placed. There's nothing you can do but hope your second baseman comes up with an outstanding play."
With only 72 pitches after six innings, Santos was still throwing his fastball over 90 mph in the eighth. He finished with 108 pitches.
"He spots his fastball well and uses his curveball very effectively. He's one of the best we've seen this year," said Paul Day, who went 1-for-3.
"It was a game we felt like we were in, but someone was going to have to come up with a big hit and we didn't get it done," Long Beach State coach Dave Snow said.
Robbie Morrison pitched the ninth inning for his 12th save.
Pat Burrell, sure to be among the top picks in next week's amateur draft, gave Santos a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the second. The Hurricanes led 2-0 after German Alvarez doubled in Rick Saggese.
The 49ers trimmed the margin to 2-1 in the fourth, when Terrmel Sledge scored on Paul Day's sacrifice fly. Miami extended the lead when Jason Michaels scored on Crespo's sacrifice fly.
Miami had hit at least two home runs in the last five games but Long Beach starter Mike Gallo (6-2) limited the Hurricanes to six singles, two doubles and Burrell's homer.
"It's tough to look for pitches when he can throw three of them for strikes," said Burrell, who was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts.
The attendance of 21,035 was an opening-day record, breaking the previous mark of 20,551 set last year.
| 
