Eighth-seeded Villanova continued its Cinderella run in the Big East Tournament yesterday by eliminating Seton Hall 10-0, and moving into today's semifinal round. If the Wildcats beat Louisville this morning, then the two will meet again at 5 p.m. with a spot in the conference championship game on the line. If the Cards prevail in the first game, then they move on to play for the title without having to waste any more effort.
U of L is now one win away from the magic number of 40, and two wins away from not having to worry about its NCAA Tournament resume.
LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (39-19) vs. VILLANOVA WILDCATS (30-27)
Game Time: 10 a.m./5 p.m. (if necessary)
Site: Bright House Field: Clearwater, Fla
Season Series: Louisville leads 3-1
Radio: 1450 AM
Starting Pitchers
LOUISVILLE
The Cards will turn to the right arm of senior Zack Pitts (6-5, 4.50 ERA). The Big East Pitcher of the Year as a junior, Pitts has seen less success in his senior season, especially down the stretch. He was fairly effective against Villanova on April 18, when he limited the Wildcats to three runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings as U of L picked up a 12-5 win.
VILLANOVA
The Wildcats are likely to counter with freshman righty Chris Pack (4-3, 5.17 ERA). The frosh has made 11 starts and thrown a total of 55 2/3 innings. He's surrendered 75 hits and 48 runs, and opponents are hitting a whopping .318 off of him. Pack has not appeared against the Cards this season.
Probable Starting Lineups
LOUISVILLE
1. John Dao (SS), .358
2. Josh Richmond (LF), .286
3. Justin McLanahan (2B), .361
4. Chris Dominguez (3B), .366
5. Stewart Ijames (RF), .347
6. Jeff Arnold (C), .331
7. Andrew Clark (1B), .318
8. Phil Wunderlich (DH), .274
9. Drew Haynes (CF), .283
VILLANOVA
1. Joe Cotter (CF), .297
2. Ryan Arcadia (2B), .222
3. Derek Shunk (SS), .381
4. Dan Terpak (LF), .271
5. James Dolbier (RF), .299
6. Wesley Borden (C), .265
7. Dain Hall (3B), .287
8. Joe Rosati (DH), .259
9. Kyle Carver (1B), .252
What Happens Next
If Louisville wins, the Cards advance to Saturday's 1 p.m. championship game. If Villanova wins, then the two teams will play again at 5 p.m. for the same distinction.