Preview: Boston College Eagles at Miami (FL) Hurricanes

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — The Miami (FL) Hurricanes, off to an 11-2 start and riding high, will look to continue their strong early season when they host the Boston College Eagles in Atlantic Coast Conference baseball action Saturday at Mark Light Field.

First pitch is set for a clear, 78-degree afternoon.

The Hurricanes, who opened the three-game series with a shutout victory Friday, have been one of the nation’s hottest teams. Their potent offense was on full display in a 30-run outburst against Lafayette on Feb. 22, and they have won 10 of their last 11 contests.

Miami’s bullpen has been a key strength, featuring right-hander Tate DeRias. The reliever has not allowed an earned run in his last three appearances, striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings, including two scoreless frames in Wednesday’s 5-2 win over Bethune-Cookman.

Boston College (7-5) arrives looking to even the series after being held scoreless in the opener. The Eagles had won three straight prior to Friday, including a 9-4 midweek victory at Florida International where their pitching staff combined for 15 strikeouts.

A player to watch for the Eagles is right-hander Jacob Burnham. In his last outing Wednesday, he was dominant, throwing four hitless, scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against Florida International. Over his last three appearances, he has allowed just two earned runs in 10 1/3 innings while striking out 13.

The Eagles will need that caliber of pitching to slow down a Miami lineup that is averaging over nine runs per game. The Hurricanes’ only losses this season came in a two-game set against then-Florida.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Miami 7, Boston College 5.

Following Saturday’s game, the series concludes Sunday before both teams embark on extended road trips next week. Boston College visits Connecticut on Tuesday, while Miami travels to UCF on Wednesday.