Feb. 13, 2004

Box Score

Coral Gables, Fla. - The Miami baseball team suffered a 3-0 loss in its 2004 season opener to Florida in front of 4,513 fans Friday night at Mark Light Field.

Hurricane starter J.D. Cockroft (0-1) took the loss giving up four hits, one run (earned) and three walks, while striking out three batters in four innings.

Justin Hoyman pitched seven strong innings for the Gators, holding the Hurricanes scoreless on one hit. He improved to 2-0 on the season and extended his consecutive scoreless innings to 16 straight dating back to last season (14 innings in 2004).

Florida opened the scoring, 1-0, in the fifth inning on a solo homerun over the leftfield wall by Adam Davis.

After surrendering a walk and a single to lead off the fifth inning, starter J.D. Cockroft was relieved by Dan Touchet. It was Touchet's first appearance since undergoing 'Tommy John' surgery in March of last year. Touchet's last appearance came in a start against San Diego State on Feb. 21, 2003.

Touchet pitched well in his return, throwing five innings and allowing six hits and two runs. He struck out five and only walked two on the night.

Adam Ricks and Joey Hooft collected the two Miami hits. Ricks singled off Hoyman in the third inning and Hooft added a single in the eighth inning.

The Gators added two insurance runs in the ninth off Touchet on a two-run homerun by Jeff Corsaletti.

The Hurricanes are back in action against the Florida Gators Saturday at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Field. Florida Marlin World Series Champion Ivan 'Pudge' Rodgriguez is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial First Pitch.