University of Louisville
at Southern Miss *
Baseball Drops Heartbreaker in 10th
May 09, 2004 | Baseball
May 9, 2004
HATTIESBURG, MS - An unearned run in the bottom of the tenth lifted #14 Southern Miss to a 3-2 win over the University of Louisville Sunday.
Southern Miss DH Brad Wilcutt homered to open the fourth, giving the Eagles(36-13, 17-7) a 1-0 lead.
Louisville DH Ryan McKinnon answered the call with a solo shot of his own leading off the seventh to even the game at one.
In the bottom of the seventh, the trend continued, as USM right fielder Ryan Frith hit another lead off home run to give the Eagles a 2-1 advantage.
With the Cards trailing in the top of the ninth with one away, freshman Logan Johnson drilled a pitch over the fence in right-center for his third home run of the season and a tie ballgame.
It was Johnson's second game-tying home run in the ninth this season, and the first ever home run off of USM senior closer Austin Tubb.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Eagles had the winning run at third with one out, but a line shot was snared by third baseman Adam Mallette with the infield in for the second out, and a ground ball to Malette ended the inning.
The Eagle tenth opened with a walk to first baseman Marc Maddox and a sacrifice by Matt Shepherd put Maddox at second with one out. Jason Lowery lined out to left for the second out, and Jarrett Hoffpaiur was intentionally walked, putting runners at first and second.
Wilcutt stepped to the plate and hit a grounder to third that caromed off of Mallette's glove and into left field, scoring the game winner.
Brian Halford started for the Cards and equalled his career-high with seven innings, allowing just two runs on five hits and two walks, fanning four. Griffin Bailey (1-3), who would take the loss, surrendered the unearned run on two hits and two walks, striking out one in 2.2 frames.
John Nicholas (1-1) procured the final two outs for the win.
McKinnon was the only Card that had a multi-hit game. Jurich's 14th double of the season and 53rd of his career puts him three off the U of L career record.
The Cards do not have a midweek game this week and will close out the home slate with a weekend set of three against Houston. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET. at Cardinal Stadium where admission and parking are free.
