In front of a devoted crowd that withstood nearly freezing temperatures on Tuesday night the UofL men’s baseball team chalked up another “W” against inner-state rivals Western Kentucky. I guess it just goes to show people are willing to hang out in 30 degree weather for dollar hot dogs.
The Cards, whose season kicked off February are well on their way to another Big East championship after claiming back to back titles in 2010 and 2009. Currently, with a record of 16 and 8, including the most recent win against the Toppers, the Cards have proven to be a very methodical team. That is to say, their game is based more on strategy than simple offense/defense. Conference-wise two of their three Big East games have ended in wins, after a recent series against Rutgers in New Jersey.
On Tuesday night, WKU struck first early in the game, keeping a one run lead for some time before Louisville tied and finally took the game by two, grabbing their three runs.
Having some trouble in the bullpen Louisville switched pitchers several times, with varying degrees of success, while Western struggled finding a flow as the evening grew colder. Leaving bases loaded at the top of the eighth the Toppers had several opportunities which were never capitalized on. Most notably, late in the game when down by two, Western, spent two at bats with their minds only on home runs, rather than base hits to narrow the margin. It was a gamble, and one that didn’t pay out in the end.
Still it was Louisville being able to find gaps on Western’s end that provided them the victory.
On Friday, Louisville is back to the Big East when they face off against West Virginia at 6, at their home in Jim Patterson Stadium.
Image: D. Rose
