Feb. 20, 1998

No. 7 Miami Powers Past Notre Dame, 18-3

MIAMI, Fla. - Home runs from sophomore catcher Russ Jacobson and junior first baseman Aubrey Huff highlighted a seven-run third inning as the #7-ranked University of Miami powered its way past visiting Notre Dame, 18-3, in the opener of a three-game series Friday at Mark Light Stadium.

Miami (8-3) scored in each of the first five innings, en route to a 13-1 lead. Sophomore Alex Santos (3-0) turned in a solid six innings for Miami.

Notre Dame (2-4) managed 10 hits, but failed to get the timely hits, stranding eight runners. The Irish shuffled their rotation, with junior Chris McKeown taking the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits and five walks over the first one and two-thirds innings. Senior righthander Dan Stavisky allowed ten runs (eight earned) and sophomore Steve Szczepanski closed out the final four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks(with four K's).

Miami broke the game open in the third, scoring seven runs and building a 13-1 advantage.

The 18 runs scored by Miami are the most by an Irish opponent since an 18-2 loss at Providence on March 24, 1996.

The Irish are expected to send RHP Brad Lidge to the hill Saturday night while fellow junior RHP Alex Shilliday is slated for Sunday's start.