[batted balls]

Ann Arbor, Mich.--It was a pitching performance for the ages, both ways.

For eight innings, right-handers Alex Fernandez of Miami and Lary Sorensen of Michigan matched each other by throwing no-hit baseball. After Fernandez lost his no-hit bid in the eighth inning, Sorensen lost his as well--and the game.

Miami pinch-hitter Jorge Fabergas led off the ninth with a single back up the middle, ending Sorensen's no-hit notion. Orlando Gonzalez then sacrificed pinch-runner Jason Michaels to second. Bobby Hill then rifled a single to center, scoring Michaels. The Hurricanes would wind up adding another run on a hit by designated hitter Jim Maler.

"I lost my focus a bit after Jorge's hit," said Sorensen.

Still, Michigan nearly rallied to win. Jim Paciorek singled in the Wolverines' lone run forcing Fernandez (21-5) from the game. However, Miami relievers Oscar Munoz and Danny Graves recorded the final two outs to nail down the win for the Hurricanes. Graves was credited with his 17th save.

"Lary deserved better," said Michigan short stop Barry Larkin, who broke up Fernandez's no-hitter with a single.

Fernandez (shown below) ended up alllowing four hits and one run. He walked one and struck out four. Sorensen (11-12) also gave up four hits, walked one and fanned four.

"It's amazing how close our numbers were," said Fernandez. "Lary may have pitched even better than me."

Miami's win moved the Hurricanes to within four games of first-place Ivy. The Eagles lost 7-2 at home against Mississippi State.

After Tuesday's games against the same opponents, Ivy and Miami will square off six straight times in what may well determine the All-American Baseball League East title.

"It would be great to get closer with another win tomorrow," said Miami manager Ron Fraser.

The Hurricanes will send Neal Heaton (10-12) against Jim Abbott (4-7) of Michigan. In the meantime, Ivy will start Ron Darling (10-5) against Jim Roberts (10-10) of Mississippi State.