By Brett Jager
Two of the most intriguing games for the University of Louisville baseball team every season are the two games against the University of Kentucky. This season should be no different as the Cards take on the Cats in the first of two games this season tonight at 6 p.m. at Jim Patterson Stadium.
“The two games against UK are two of the biggest games of the year,” Dan McDonnell, U of L head coach, said. “Win or lose they don’t guarantee at Big East or National Championship, but they are definitely part of a special rivalry and make for two of the most exciting games of the year.”
Last season, the two games against UK were two of the most exciting games of the season. The first of the two games took place in Lexington in which the Cards dropped a heartbreaker 7-6 to the Wildcats. The two teams met again April 22, and the Cards scored runs in the bottom of the eighth and ninth to come back and defeat the Cats 6-5.
“A lot of coaches will shy away from rivalry games and say it’s just another game,” Josh Richmond, sophomore outfielder, said. “Coach Mac shines light on it. It’s important to get a win for the sake of getting a win as well as for the city of Louisville.”
Freshman utility man Ryan Wright, a Fort Wayne, Indiana native, does not really know the drama of the rivalry, but is enticed to say the least.
“I am really excited,” Wright said. “You inherit a dislike of UK once you put on the U of L uniform because it is a big in-state rivalry. It’s fun to play in any game of this magnitude and I am very excited about it.”
The April 22, 2008, game against UK at Jim Patterson stadium was one of the more memorable home games of 2008. It was a packed house as every seat was filled and the outfield lawn was covered with fans. McDonnell hopes to see more of the same tonight.
“The fan support is what makes this game what it is,” McDonnell said. “It would still be a big game if nobody showed up, but that’s what makes it so good and mean so much to our ball club.”
The players also hope the fans are out in droves, just as they were last year.
“Fans definitely make games more enjoyable,” Richmond said. “When you have a lot of fans supporting your team, it brings an environment to the game unlike any other. It gives us more energy and focus when there’s no empty seats.”
The Cards (24-9, 8-4 Big East), have won five out of their last six games, two of which were crucial road games against the University of Cincinnati. Prior to the series against UC, the Cards were merely 2-6 on the road. After taking two of three from UC, the Cards are now at a more respectable 4-7 on the road. McDonnell has stressed the importance of winning on the road to his team.
“We have put ourselves in a good position because we know we can improve,” McDonnell said. “My two concerns thus far are we have not gotten off to as good a start in league play and we have not played well enough on the road to be a special club. If we can start winning league games and playing well on the road, this team is capable of special things.”
UK (18-15, 4-10 SEC), started off the season hot at 11-2, but since have gone 6-13, and are looking for a big win to motivate them and possibly get their season back on track.
U of L has won five out of their last six games and a win against UK at home would definitely pump them up for upcoming big east games. The Cards are looking to make their third straight post season, and to win the Big East conference for the second year in a row.
“In order to accomplish our goals, we need to continue to play better defense, and be consistent in all other facets of the game,” Wright said. “If teams play flat, they tend to be unsuccessful. We need to play with as much passion and emotion as possible and bring it everyday.”
