College baseball begins today, believe it or not, and the University of Louisville will be in fast company.
The Cardinals open against Texas in the Shriners Children’s Classic in Arlington at the home of the Texas Rangers. Saturday the opponent is Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. and on Sunday versus Arizona at 11 .m. A formidable beginning to the season against traditional powers.
“It will be like a post season atmosphere,” said Louisville coach Dan McDonnell last week. “Texas will have maybe 20,000 there.”
The Cardinals went 3-0 In this event in 2023 at Houston’s Minute Maid Park.
“Our theme this year will be transformation. Learn and grow,” said McDonnelll whose Cardinals (32-24) missed the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season a year ago. Don’t think McDonnelll isn’t pushing this team to get back to the tournament, “We fell short in a handful games last year. A couple bad innings and missed opportunities cost us.”
Pitching was a liability a year ago especially in the bullpen. This season will hopefully seen significant improvement.
“I like the pieces we have,” said McDonald. The pitching staff will be led by Sebastian Gongora, who was 5-4 last season, and Evan Webster, 5-3 in 2024. Both started 15 games.
“I can’t sit here and say this is a staff like we’ve had in the past. We have six candidates that could start.”Tucker Biven with five saves could be a key in the bullpen.
“It’s my job to lead the pitching staff and I think that’s one of the missing pieces we didn’t have last year,” said catcher Matt Kline who iplayed in 46 games last season. “Getting the pitchers to click that’s my job,” he said.
The regular lineup returns some pop with Eddie King Jr., Zion Rose, Lucas Moore and Kline.
“We don’t rely on one guy,” said McDonnell. “To get back to Omaha we don’t say. ‘Hey. You have to go this or that.’ Just go enjoy playing. and have fun.
Rose hit .380 with 5 home runs and 19 stolen bases. “There is a different vibe this yesr,” said Rose, “The guys that wanted to
leave left. We have lot if guys that want to win. Now we are playing for each other.”
“It’s fun to sit down and make out a lineup,” said McDonnell who likes to mix and match. The good thing he has a few more options. He hardly mentioned freshman or transfers.
Michael Lippy and Alex Alicaa should make the lineup as well. Lilppy hit .345 while Alex Alicaa batted .293 with 18 stolen bases. ” Alex has proven he could be our lead off guy,” said McDonnell. “I’m going to enjoy making this lineup.”
UofL will open its home season against Xavier on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
That’s a terrific report, Ed. Gives us a concise rundown on what to expect as well as some optimism about our chances of getting back to the playoffs this season. Thanks for cutting right to the chase. Keep up with the good work!