DURHAM, N.C. - Duke baseball showcased some serious pitching prowess with a combined shutout against Miami, sealing a 4-0 victory on Friday at Jack Coombs Field. The Blue Devils' pitching staff, led by Aidan Weaver, Ben Dean, and Aiden O'Connell, allowed just two hits, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Weaver was in command, going six innings and giving up only two hits and a walk while striking out eight. He showed his mettle by navigating through Miami's lineup with precision.
Lemke took over for the next two innings, maintaining the pressure by allowing just two walks and striking out two more. Dean and O'Connell handled the ninth, with O'Connell stepping up in a bases-loaded jam to close the game with a clutch strikeout.
Weaver's impressive outing improved his record to 4-1, and O'Connell notched his fourth save of the season. Weaver's been a rock for Duke, consistently delivering strong performances by going deep into games and racking up strikeouts. This win bumps Duke's record to 14-6 overall and 2-2 in ACC play, while Miami falls to 13-5 and 1-3 in the conference.
Offensively, Tyler Albright was the catalyst for Duke, launching a solo home run and later drawing a bases-loaded walk to add to the lead.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Albright wasted no time, kicking off the bottom of the first with a solo shot to put Duke on the board early.
Weaver was efficient, facing just one over the minimum through four innings, aided by a couple of slick double plays.
Duke broke it open in the fourth inning, adding three more runs to their tally. Kaden Smith and Matthew Strand started the rally with back-to-back singles. A bunt attempt by Ben Petrone turned into a run when Miami's pitcher, AJ Ciscar, threw wide, allowing Smith to score and Strand to advance to third.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Albright's patience paid off as he drew a walk, bringing in another run. A balk by Miami added the final run, giving Duke a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Weaver continued to dominate through the fifth, supported by some stellar defensive plays from Coltin Quagliano and Jake Lambdin. He wrapped up his outing after six strong innings, having allowed just two singles.
Miami managed to get runners on in the seventh and eighth innings via walks, but Duke's bullpen held firm, preventing any further advancement.
In the ninth, Dean and O'Connell combined to shut the door. Despite Dean loading the bases with three walks, O'Connell entered and promptly struck out Dylan Dubovik to secure the victory.
UP NEXT
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