By Dalton Ray–
An offensive field day led to second-ranked baseball’s 17-2 victory over Toledo (14-30) as the Rockets used six pitchers. Toledo walked 10 batters and hit another six. Louisville’s 17 runs is the third-highest showing of the season.
“I really liked our consistency and how professional (we) are. I love how we show up on Sundays: focused and ready to play,” coach Dan McDonnell said. “Our kids are locked in and committed … it’s fun coaching this group.”
Junior Brendan McKay slapped two home runs while senior Colin Lyman recorded a career-high five RBIs on a 4-for-4 afternoon. Freshman Nick Bennett (5-0) went four innings, sitting down four and allowed two runs.
Scoring early
Lyman drove in a pair in the second and sophomore Zeke Pinkham added a RBI before the turn of the inning. McKay’s first homer helped the Cards earn a 5-0 lead by the end of the third.
Scoring often
Sophomore Devin Mann drove home three runs on a double in the fourth inning. In the fifth, an error allowed another pair of Cardinals to cross the plate. McKay continued his torment of opposing pitchers, hitting his sixth home run of the week.
An error by the Rockets led to another Louisville duo crossing the plate, U of L’s six run of the fifth inning.
Insurance runs
Toledo displayed signs of limping to the finish line while down 14-2 in the sixth inning. Lyman’s single with the bases load gave Louisville a 16-2 lead. Freshman Jake Snider singled after Lyman’s triple, scoring Louisville’s final run.
-
- Sophomore Devin Mann rounds first base on way to a double.
-
- Sophomore Josh Stowers takes a chop at the ball.
-
- Senior Colin Lyman goes down after being hit by a pitch.
-
- Sophomore Zeke Pinkham reaches out for the incoming pitch.
-
- Coach Dan McDonnell chats with his team.
-
- Junior Drew Ellis trots back to first base.
Photos by Dalton Ray / The Louisville Cardinal
