By Charlie Leffler
It was a game that began sloppily, had moments of excellence only to be followed by more mistakes. At one point it appeared that there would be more batter hit, than base hits as each pitcher sent three runners to first on errant pitches. But in the end, the Cards came away with a 5-3 win over C-USA member Alabama Birmingham.
Mike Budak’s two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the difference in Louisville’s 5-3 win over UAB Friday at Cardinal Stadium.
Louisville(33-13, 17-8) notched two unearned runs in the second inning. With the bases loaded and two out, centerfielder Dave Williams Jr. grounded a ball to the right side. The UAB first baseman fielded the ball and tossed it to pitcher Jon Burgett for what appeared to be the final out of the inning. Yet, the first base umpire ruled that Burgett’s foot was not on the bag and Williams was safe. Meanwhile, Louisville’s Ken Tirpack, who was on third ran in to score the first run of the game. Then while it appeared that Burgett was disputing the call, U of L catcher Fernando Isa scampered in from second base to score the second run on the play.
UAB(15-35, 6-19) knotted things at two in the sixth on back-to-back home runs on back to back pitches by U of L’s Josh Ring.
In the bottom of the sixth, left fielder Josh Bolen reached on an error for the Cards, and Budak followed with his sixth home run of the season to put the Cards back up by two 4-2. Bolen doubled home shortstop J.T. LaFountain in the seventh to add to the Cardinals lead, 5-2. UAB second baseman Seth Rollin launched his eighth home run of the season, the third Blazer solo home run of the game, for the final run, 5-3.
Ring (7-3) picked up the win, allowing three runs on six hits and four walks, striking out eight in eight innings of work.
Carlos Fernandez pitched the ninth, picking up his third save of the season, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Williams Jr. extended his career-high hitting streak to 13 games with a pair of knocks, while first baseman Morgan Bojorquez ended his streak at 12 games. Bolen also had a pair of hits for the Cards.
The Cardinals will meet UAB Saturday at Cardinal Stadium beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET. Admission is free.
Information provided by Louisville SID
