CLEMSON – The Clemson Insider continues its deep dive into Clemson’s Atlantic Coast Conference opponents for the 2024 season.

The Tigers’ third weekend of ACC play will be against the University of Miami at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, Fla., on the weekend of March 28-30.

COACHING

Head Coach J.D. Arteaga, in his first season as head coach, has spent 21 seasons on the Hurricane’s coaching staff as the pitching coach. Arteaga has been a part of this program since 2003. A special thing to note is the Ari Arteaga Foundation, which was founded for their 16-year-old son who passed away in 2018, was established to help children and families overcome obstacles they may face due to unforeseen hardships.

About the Hurricanes

Miami finished 42-21 (18-12 ACC, 2nd Coastal Division) losing to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. The Hurricanes ended up hosting a regional in Coral Gables where they lost outright to Texas, who advanced to the Super Regional.

Pitching Staff

Gage Ziehl, will return as Miami’s Friday night starter (8-4,4.30 ERA). Ziehl who was formerly drafted by the Chicago Cubs has a fastball that sits 91-94 but can ramp it up to 96 with a plus slider/changeup combination. Contenders for the other starting spots are Rafe Schlesinger, Herrick Hernandez, and Drew Dwyer.

Schlesinger (LHP) is making the transition from the bullpen, Arteaga said “you ask anyone in our lineup, and Rafe is the toughest guy to hit”.

Position Players

Miami is having to replace three crucial pieces of their infield that left for the MLB Draft: Yohandy Morales, CJ Kayfus, and Dominic Pitelli. Jason Torres is looking to take over the spot at third base, he had an OPS of 1.399 and three homeruns in 35 at bats last season. Second baseman Blake Cyr is looking to continue his hot season where he was one of just five freshmen to have at least 17 homeruns and 63 RBI’s.

Jacoby Long is looking to finally live up to their potential and lock down the center field role. He hit .313 with three homeruns and had a .913 OPS last season.

It does not look like Miami made a big splash in the transfer portal so they will be turning to a lot of true freshman talent this season under the fifth Hurricanes coach over the past 60 years, J.D. Arteaga.