Canes drubbed 16-3; NCAAs up next

The third-seeded Miami Hurricanes concluded a disappointing ACC Tournament on Friday, losing 16-3 to the sixthseeded Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C.

The game ended in seven innings because of the 10-run rule.

“We didn’t play very well, didn’t pitch very well and didn’t hit with anybody on base,” Miami coach Gino DiMare said. “It’s a very disappointing way to end play in the tournament here.”

Miami lost 9-6 to N.C.

State on Wednesday and was outscored 25-9 at the tournament..

Miami (39-18, 20-10 ACC) struck first Friday, but the Demon Deacons (40-17-1, 15-14-1) scored early and often thereafter: They mounted a six-run third, tacked on three runs in the fourth and added four in the sixth and three in the seventh.

The Demon Deacons had 15 hits including seven home runs, which tied an ACC Tournament record.

“We didn’t pitch down in the zone and inside,” DiMare said. “I didn’t see too many uncomfortable swings, and the ballpark is very offensive.”

ACC Pitcher of the Year and Wake Forest ace Rhett Lowder (11-3) picked up the victory, tossing five innings. The right-hander surrendered three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four.

“I thought we did a decent job of getting his pitch count up, but we couldn’t get hits with guys on base,” DiMare said. “It’s tough when you fall behind like that.”

The Hurricanes used seven pitchers, beginning with starter Karson Ligon (6-6), who took the loss.

Miami’s CJ Kayfus was 3 for 4 with a homer and two doubles.

Next, Miami turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament selection show, which is scheduled for noon Monday on ESPN2.

“We have an unbelievable opportunity,” DiMare said. “Everybody is 0-0 starting on Friday.

“We should be hosting a regional and we play well in our ballpark. The biggest coaching move that I have to make right now is making sure our team is in a good place mentally moving forward.”

Wake Forest reached the 40-win plateau for the seventh time in program history.