University of Louisville
Memphis *
Cardinal Nine Wins 7-6 Thriller
March 16, 2002 | Baseball
March 16, 2002
LOUISVILLE, KY- For the second time this week, and third time on the season, the Louisville Cardinal baseball team scored the winning run in it's last at bat as it edged Memphis 7-6 on Saturday.
A fielder's choice by center fielder Dan Cunningham scored pinch runner Scott Gerlach for the winning run, improving the Cards to 11-3 overall and 2-0 in Conference USA play.
Louisville trailed 6-2 before scoring three in the eighth and two in the ninth for the win.
U of L jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first on an RBI fielder's choice by Josh Bolen. Memphis(3-10, 0-2) responded with a solo home run by Paul Cookman in the third to tie the score at one.
First baseman Morgan Bojorquez singled home J.T. LaFountain in the bottom of the third to give Louisville a 2-1 advantage.
Back-to-back singles to start the sixth put runners at second and third when a throw to third missed the cutoff man. After two were retired, DH Jay Fik hit a 3-2 pitch down the right field line for a two run double and a 3-2 Memphis lead.
Fik then scored on a single by Josh Payne and after a walk, Michael Lewis tripled down the left field line, making it 6-2 Tigers.
The Cardinals began chipping away at the lead in the eighth when third baseman Mike Budak was hit by a pitch leading off and a double by catcher Fernando Isa put runners at second and third. Freshman Curt Stewart singled them home, cutting the lead to 6-4.
Shortstop Adam Haley later singled home Stewart, putting the Cards to within one. Haley's single improved his career-best hitting streak to 16 games.
The U of L ninth began with an infield single by Budak and a sacrifice by Isa putting Budak at second. Sophomore Mark Jurich, who had missed the past four games due to an injured ankle, then ripped a pinch-hit triple into the gap in left center, tying the game at six with one out.
Ken Tirpack was intentionally walked, and after Gerlach was inserted into the lineup to replace Jurich as a pinch runner, Cunningham hit the hard ground ball to third. Kyle Scott's throw was wide, and Gerlach slid in safely to secure the comeback win. It was Cunningham's first RBI of the season.
Cardinal reliever Grant Williams (2-0) was sensational, walking one and striking out a career-high six without allowing a hit in 3.1 innings, getting his second win of the season. In the eighth, Williams struck out the side on nine pitches, and fanning four straight on 12 pitches.
Cardinal starter Carlos Fernandez in his first career start was in command until the fateful sixth. He allowed five runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings and also established a career-high with seven strikeouts. Garrett Estabrook did not record an out, allowing a run on one hit and a walk.
Tiger reliever Josh Payne was the loser recording just one out, while giving up two runs on two hits and a walk. One of the runs was unearned.
Memphis starter Ryan O'Malley stood to win the game, exiting after five innings in which he allowed two runs on eight hits. He struck out seven. Reliever Nick Rogers allowed three run on two hits to go with three strikeouts in two innings. Josh Cartwright gave up two hits and a walk in an inning of work.
LaFountain was 4 for 5, and is 10 or his last 16, picking up at least two hits in his last four games. Bojorquez and Tirpack each had two hits on the afternoon. The triple by Jurich was his fourth of the year, and he now leads the team with a .528 average, and 1.333 slugging percentage.
The Cardinals recorded a 4-3 win over Indiana State with two in the ninth on March 2nd and beat Cleveland State 6-5 on March 13th with a run in the ninth.
Louisville will hope for a sweep on Sunday at Cardinal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and admission is free.
