Miami Rolls a Seven to Reach Title Game

By GARY KLEIN

June 15, 2001 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

OMAHA —

Miami came into the College World Series built for speed and leading the nation in stolen bases.

The Hurricanes showed Thursday that they can rally as fast as they can run.

Miami overcame a four-run, third-inning deficit with seven runs in the fourth and went on to a 12-6 victory over Tennessee, advancing to the championship game for the second time in three years.

Miami (52-12), the 1999 national champion, will play Stanford (51-16) for the title Saturday.

The Hurricanes, making their 19th World Series appearance and their seventh in eight years, are in the championship game for the sixth time. They won titles in 1982, ’85 and ’99.

“Miami is out here all the time and they know how to win,” said Tennessee Coach Rod Delmonico, whose team finished 48-20. “As soon as we gave them opportunities, they jumped on them.”

Tennessee looked capable of forcing another elimination game against Miami today after the Volunteers scored twice in the second and third inning.

But Miami came roaring back.

Sophomore third baseman Kevin Howard, a former standout at Westlake High, hit a three-run homer against starter Brian Gates (6-5) and designated hitter Danny Matienzo followed with a solo blast. Kris Clute drove in a run with a ground ball and Mike Rodriguez hit a two-run single to cap the Hurricanes’ seven-run inning.

In the fifth inning, Kevin Brown hit a two-run homer and Rodriguez drove in a run with a single to put the Hurricanes ahead, 10-4.

Miami center fielder Charlton Jimerson stole four bases and scored twice.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

College World Series

Double elimination:

JUNE 8

* Game 1--Stanford 13, Tulane 11

* Game 2--CS Fullerton 5, Nebraska 4

JUNE 9

* USC 11, Georgia 5

* Miami 21, Tennessee 13

JUNE 10