By Michael Kennedy
They needed an extra game, and an extra inning, but in the end the Vanderbilt University Commodores were crowned the NCAA Louisville Regional Champion over the University of Louisville Cardinals. Vandy won 3-2 in a thrilling 10 inning game at Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville on Monday, June 7.
Vandy starter sophomore Grayson Garvin pitched 6 innings, surrendering only 1 run. Louisville pitcher junior Thomas Royse, who was named the Big East Pitcher of the Year has been battling an illness, started for the Cards. He went 5.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 5.
With the game on the line, the Cards, the visiting team for this game, were down 2-1 with two out in the ninth inning when senior catcher Jeff Arnold singled in sophomore right fielder Stewart Ijames to tie the game.
The Cardinals went 1-2-3 in the top of the tenth. With runners on the corners and one out, freshman center fielder Connor Harrell laid down a bunt. Upon contact, junior designated hitter Curt Cassali broke from third, scoring the winning run.
Last year, it was the Cards who eliminated Vanderbilt from the NCAA Regional.Vanderbilt will now face Florida State in the NCAA Super Regional this weekend.
