Cardinal Baseball entered 2011 with top 25 ranking and a great shot at a three-peat as Big East Champions. Yet, ever since returning from their West Coast road trip last month, they haven’t been the same team.
Louisville entered the Tuesday night clash with the Wildcats hoping to right the ship. They didn’t start off that way, with the Cats quickly scoring two runs in the top of of the first inning.
UofL once again struggled to over take the early deficit. The Wildcats should have increased their lead stranding runners in scoring position on three separate occasions.
Sophomore rightie Jordan Cooper baffled the Cardinal lineup for most of the night allowing only one hit in the first five innings. The Cards were able to capitalize on a stray pitchout from Cooper to score their first run in the sixth. Louisville equalized in the seventh inning after Alex Chittenden grounded out and Ty Young scored.
Kentucky wasn’t scared off by the impending extra innings, and Cats shortstop Taylor Black plopped a 95 MPH fastball into right field for an RBI single at the top of the ninth.
Louisville couldn’t tie it up with their final at bats, and ended the game with a strike out.
Offensive output continues to plague the Cards (20-12), who hope to regroup as Big East play gets into full swing. After the game many players commented on a lack of competitiveness. That is something they will definitely need to finish the season strong.
