Finally.
Great news for University of Louisville baseball. Back where it belongs, hosting an NCAA Super Regional this weekend at Jim Patterson Stadium.
UofL has not hosted a Super Regional since 2019, Been too long, memories were fading, questioning the program’s competitiveness and relevance. Coach Dan McDonnell getting a few sideways looks from long-time fans, wondering whether if maybe the skipper was losing his touch after 19 years.
Their fears amplified with Louisville losing six of its last seven games in the regular season. Skeptics doubting that the Cardinals would even make the tournament, despite a regular season won-lost record of 35-18 overall and 15-15 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. That 14-9 win over Wake Forest in the final game of the season may have possibly saved the Cardinals from oblivion.
A first round loss in the conference tournament possibly a blessing, bestowing nine days of recovery on the Cardinal nine. The team entering the NCAA regional rested and recovering, among them catcher Matt Klein after missing two months with injury. One of the team’s leading hitters ready to pick up where he left off. The reprieve from competition allowing them to put the poor finish behind them. Returning with a fresh outlook and strong pitching for the post season.
The regional tournament including wins over surging teams, including top-ranked Vanderbilt, East Tennessee State and Wright State. The Cardinals winning all three games in the Vanderbilt Region. Timely hitting, great pitching from starters and relievers. Matt Klein with two home runs, back and focused. This team emerging from the Regional, stronger, better and more confident, with its eyes on a possible sixth trip to the College World Series.
Make it happen, guys.
Not to mention having their HUGE fanbase behind home plate! A sea of red should boost their will and generate great offense. And spectacular defense. Go Cards!