Feb. 24, 2006

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) - A 37-minute rain delay was a sign of things to come as Miami's Friday night game against Bethune-Cookman at Mark Light Field was suspended in the middle of the seventh inning with the Hurricanes ahead, 4-3. The game will resume at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the regularly-scheduled 7 p.m. game to follow at the original time.

Miami starter Carlos Gutierrez was able to retire the first three Wildcats batters on just seven pitches, recording two of his career high eight strikeouts.

The `Canes struck first in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on walks issued to Yonder Alonso and Tommy Giles. Eddy Rodriguez hit his third home run of the year to give UM a 3-0 lead early.

Jorge Mico hit his first home run of the year, a two-run shot, in the bottom of the fourth to bring Bethune-Cookman within 3-2. A throwing error by Gutierrez allowed another run to score and tie the game at 3-3.

Alonso walked again in the sixth and advanced to third on Danny Valencia's sac bunt and a wild pitch to Giles. Giles followed with a single to put the Canes up 4-3.

Gutierrez worked through the top of the seventh, putting down Bethune-Cookman's 7-8-9 batters in order before the tarp had to be put back on the field due to rain. The seventh- inning stretch lived up to its name, lasting 37 minutes before the game was officially suspended.