University of Louisville
USC
Cardinal Nine Falls to Mighty USC 19-4
February 03, 2001 | Baseball
Feb. 3, 2001
Rob Garibaldi and Abel Montanez both hit home runs as part of a 10-run first inning Saturday and the No. 2 USC Trojans defeated the Louisville Cardinals, 19-4, in a non-conference game at Dedeaux Field.
Junior pitcher Mark Prior allowed only three hits in five innings, striking out 10 and not allowing a walk to pick up the win in his first start of the season. At one point, Prior struck out five straight batters.
After the Cardinals (0-1) went in order in the top of the first, the Trojans (2-0) got on the scoreboard quickly with a two-run homer to right by Garibaldi. Later in the inning, Montanez hit a three-run shot to right center as USC would send 16 batters to the plate in the first. The Trojans would chase Louisville starter Mike Eilers, who allowed eight runs and recorded only one out in the first.
Senior centerfielder Mike Hook was 2-for-5 with two RBI singles, sophomore Dave Williams Jr. also had two hits. Freshmen Mark Jurich, J.T. LaFountain and Carlos De la Osa each singled in their first collegiate game, hitting a combined 3-for-5.
USC and Louisville will conclude their two-game series tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Dedeaux Field. Garrett Estabrook(0-0, 0.00) is the projected starter for Louisville while USC will go with Rik Currier(1-0, 0.00).
