Hurricanes Hold Off FIU in High-Scoring Affair

TJ Coats delivers strong outing as Miami bats erupt for three home runs in 9-7 victory.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:52am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like crimson red, orange, and royal blue, conceptually representing the back-and-forth action of a baseball game between the Miami Hurricanes and FIU Panthers.The Hurricanes' offensive firepower and resilience are on full display in this cubist-inspired depiction of their high-scoring victory over in-state rival FIU.Today in Miami

The Miami Hurricanes baseball team defeated the FIU Panthers 9-7 on Tuesday night, led by a career-best performance from starting pitcher TJ Coats and a trio of two-run home runs from Derek Williams, Jake Ogden, and Brylan West. The win extends Miami's recent hot streak to 11 victories in their last 13 games.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' ability to win close, high-scoring games against in-state rivals like FIU demonstrates their offensive firepower and resilience, which will be crucial as they continue their push for an NCAA tournament berth in the competitive ACC conference.

The details

Coats pitched a career-high six innings, striking out seven batters and allowing just three hits and two runs, one of which was unearned. The Hurricanes' offense provided ample run support, with Ogden, Williams, and West each hitting two-run homers to power a five-run fourth inning that broke the game open. FIU threatened late, loading the bases in the eighth and scoring three runs in the ninth, but Miami's bullpen was able to close out the victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Coats' previous career-highs were set in his last start on April 3.

The players

TJ Coats

The Miami Hurricanes starting pitcher, who delivered a career-best performance, striking out seven batters over six innings and earning the win.

Derek Williams

The Hurricanes' slugger, who hit his team-leading 13th home run of the season in the seventh inning.

Jake Ogden

The reigning ACC Player of the Week, who hit a two-run homer as part of Miami's five-run fourth inning and extended his hitting streak to seven games.

Brylan West

The Hurricanes' outfielder, who also hit a two-run home run to give Miami an early lead.

FIU

The in-state rival of the Miami Hurricanes, who put up a late fight but ultimately fell short 9-7.

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What they’re saying

“TJ Coats turned in an impressive outing in his second straight start after 10 appearances out of the bullpen to begin the season.”

— Christopher Stock, 247sports.com Reporter

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to carry their momentum into this weekend's three-game home series against ACC foe Wake Forest, which currently sits at 23-11 overall and 9-7 in conference play.

The takeaway

Miami's ability to win a high-scoring affair against an in-state rival like FIU demonstrates the team's offensive firepower and resilience, which will serve them well as they continue their push for an NCAA tournament berth in the competitive ACC conference.