Chad Wright's RBI double off U of L flame-thrower Tony Zych proved to be the difference as Kentucky topped Louisville 3-2 in front of 3,245 fans at Jim Patterson Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Cardinals appeared poised for a rally in the home half of the inning. J.J. Ethel singled with one out and Alex Chittenden then quickly worked a 3-0 count from Wildcat reliever Trevor Gott. The rebuttal was quickly quashed, however, as Gott battled back and caught Chittenden staring at strike three, and catcher Michael Williams threw out pinch runner Adam Engel trying to steal second on the pitch to end the game.
"To end the game with a strikeout looking and a throw 'em out shows that we're not competing enough as an offensive unit," said Cardinal outfielder Stewart Ijames.
The loss dropped Louisville to 20-12 on the year. Kentucky improved to 17-17.
The Cards and Cats will meet again in Lexington on April 26. The rivals have split their two meetings in each of the past four seasons.
We really need a sad Will Stein picture.