Louisville used three runs in the third and fourth innings each, led by Mann’s RBI double in the third inning, as the Cardinals (14-0) remain undefeated with a 6-4 win over North Carolina (7-7).
Like in game one, the Tar Heels took an early lead after an RBI single from Kyle Datres. While Datres drove in two runs, he was tagged out trying to reach second, with Michael Busch’s groundout closing the inning after.
Devin Mann gave Louisville a 3-2 lead after his bases-loaded RBI double cleared them. Louisville would add three more runs in the bottom of the fourth, with an RBI single from Ethan Stringer and two more from Jake Snider’s RBI double.
Shay Smiddy made his first career start on Saturday, striking out seven and allowing two runs (only one earned) on three hits. Smiddy would pitch five complete innings before allowing the Cards bullpen to take over. Reid Detmers, Austin Conway and Sam Bordner combined to finish the remaining four innings.
Detmers, who had usually pitched on Sunday as both a starter and reliever, was the first out of Louisville’s bullpen today, finishing with two earned runs allowed on three hits in two innings. Austin Conway finished the eighth with one complete inning, tabbing a strikeout and allowing only one hit.
After Smiddy left the game, UNC got runs off of Brandon Mortarano’s RBI double in the sixth, followed by Ben Casparius’ RBI single in the eighth inning. Cody Roberts (2-for-4) and Kyle Datres (2-for-5) were the only UNC batters with multiple hits in the game. Datres, along with Casparius and Mortarano, also drove in RBIs for the Tar Heels.
Sam Bordner made another appearance in the ninth inning for Louisville, and secured his second save of the weekend along with his sixth of the season. Bordner allowed a single from Kyle Datres, but retired Michael Busch to close the game. It is also his 29th shutout appearance in his last 30 showings.
Jake Snider (1-for-2) and Devin Mann (1-for-3) drove in five of Louisville’s six runs, with Justin Lavey also batting 2-for-3 at the plate. Louisville also got hits from Josh Stowers, Lucas Dunn and Ethan Stringer and forced seven walks in the game.
Tomorrow’s series finale starts at noon, with radio coverage on 93.9 The Ville and tickets are available at GoCards.com. Riley Thompson, who had been Louisville’s primary Saturday starter, will start tomorrow as Louisville looks to open ACC play with a sweep of the Tar Heels.
