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It does not seem like Louisville can escape a pitcher who has a simply amazing outing on the mound.
That happened once again to the Cardinals. Illinois State starter Matt Walker threw a complete game, only allowing two earned runs on six hits, as the Redbirds (36-24) upset the #7 Cardinals (44-16) with a 4-2 victory.
The complete game by Walker was the second time in the last four games that an opposing pitcher threw a complete game against Louisville, and the third game in the last four that an opposing starting pitcher threw at least eight innings against the Cardinals.
The win for Illinois State also came despite the Redbirds tallying only three hits. They were, however, extremely effective. Joe Aeilts (1-for-3, two RBIs) had an RBI double in the fourth inning that got the Redbirds on the board, as well as another RBI that tied the game on a fielder’s choice in the sixth inning. Pinch hitter Jeremy Gaines then got the go-ahead runs on an RBI double in the sixth inning as well, putting the Redbirds ahead 4-2.
Louisville outhit the Redbirds 6-3, but could not convert with runners on base and were also done in by untimely double plays. Both runs came in the sixth inning via RBI groundout from Tyler Fitzgerald, and RBI single from Logan Wyatt. Louisville had three double plays turned on them that ended the fifth, sixth, and eighth innings for them, preventing any opportunity to add runs.
Louisville starter Reid Detmers did break the single-season record for strikeouts in his start today, striking out 11 Redbirds and raising his total to 156 on the season. Detmers finished the game with four earned runs on three hits, throwing seven innings of work.
The Cardinals now face elimination from here on out in the regional round. They have to win three games in two days to advance to the Super Regional, starting tomorrow with a noon game against Indiana. If they win, they will then have to win two games against Illinois State, with the first at 6 p.m. on Sunday, and the second at 1 p.m. on Monday to advance.