Eagles swept by Miami in doubleheader

Yes, we finally got to see the Boston College Eagles baseball home opener for 2011 today. The bad news is that BC lost both games, 19-4 and 7-6 (5 innings). The losses drop the Eagles to 10-15 (4-7) and put them on a five-game losing streak.

The first game was an unmitigated disaster. The hits for the unranked Hurricanes did not stop coming, as the visitors were able to belt out 26 of them. Additionally, Miami drew nine walks, which means 35 baserunners and a ridiculously-bad WHIP for BC pitching of 3.89. Miami scored at least one run in eight of the game’s nine innings.

In the second game, which was shortened to five innings (based on a curfew), the Eagles had a chance to come back but ultimately fell short in their rally. This 7-6 loss saw more bad pitching from the Eagles — or good hitting by the Hurricanes, however you want to look at it. John Leonard, who has been BC’s best pitcher this year so far, got lit up for 7 ER over 5 IP. Most of Miami’s damage was done in a five-run first inning.

If you’re looking for anything positive, it’s that BC finally did a little bit of hitting. They combined these two games for 20 hits (in 14 innings) and scored 10 runs. Granted, they lost both games, but the Eagles are going to need their bats to warm up in a hurry. With a 10-15 (4-7) record, their season certainly appears to be slipping away, though because there are so many teams with sub-par records in conference play, the Eagles are still holding onto a spot in the top 8.

BC will play again on Tuesday as they host the Rhode Island Rams. Last week, URI shut the Eagles out in Kingston by a 4-0 score.