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May 16, 2008

Game One Box Score

Game Two Box Score

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Justin Marks worked eight strong innings for the win in game one, Zack Pitts tossed seven plus in a game two victory and B.J. Rosenberg worked the ninth in both games, earning a pair of saves, to seal the University of Louisville's doubleheader sweep of Rutgers Friday at Jim Patterson Stadium, 3-1 in the opener and 4-3 in the nightcap.

The Cards will pursue a sweep in the final game of the series and the regular season Saturday, a first pitch that has been moved to 12:00 p.m. because of the weather forecast.

The Knights (22-29-1, 10-16 BIG EAST) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning of game one, as they managed to string together their only two hits of the game. The second of the two singles, coming off the bat of Dan Betteridge drove in the run.

Louisville (37-18, 16-10 BIG EAST) answered in the bottom of the frame with a two-out rally.

Justin McClanahan belted his 20th double of the season, tying him for seventh in the record books. Chris Dominguez tied the game with an RBI single and freshman Stewart Ijames drilled his sixth home run of the season over the wall in right, a two-run shot that put the Cards on top 3-1.

That's all that Marks would need, giving up just the two single in eight innings, the fourth time in his career he has gone eight. He walked one and struck out eight, facing just two over the minimum to improve his record to 7-1 on the season. Marks carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Rosenberg faced the minimum in the ninth, hitting a batter and then, with the tying run at the plate, pinch hitter Danny Callahan was caught stealing at second to end the game. It was the third baserunner that Cardinal catcher Jeff Arnold threw out in the game in as many attempts, while the Cards were 3 for 3 on steals.

RU starter Matt Giannini (3-5) went the distance, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk, striking out three in his eight innings in taking the loss.

In game two, the Knights again took a 1-0 lead, this time on a solo home run by Jaren Matthews with one out in the fourth, his 10th of the season.

Louisville again responded in the bottom of the inning to take a 3-1 lead, producing runs with an astonishing economy of offense in game two.

McClanahan walked and stole second, Dominguez was hit by a pitch, and an out later Arnold was plunked to load the bases. A batter later, Phil Wunderlich barreled a bases-clearing double into the alley in left for a 3-1 Cardinal lead.

Louisville added a run in the sixth when Dominguez drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a groundout, to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sac fly to center by Arnold.

Rutgers made things interesting in the eighth.

Pitts walked the first batter of the inning, and exited in favor to Thomas Royse, who recorded the next out before giving up a two-run home run to right center by Betteridge that cut the lead to a single run. Royse then retired the final two of the inning.

Rosenberg again entered in the ninth, and allowed a leadoff single to Matthews. A sac bunt placed the tying run into scoring position, but the next batter popped up, and after a pair of breaking balls pushed the count to 2-2, the fifth-year senior closer blew a fastball by Jayson Hernandez to end the inning and secure the win.

Pitts (6-5) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks, fanning three in seven-plus. Royse allowed a run on a hit, striking out one in an inning of work, setting the stage for Rosenberg's second save of the day and eighth of the season.

Pitts moves into a tie for sixth in career starts, toeing the rubber for the 35th time in his career as a starter. He ranks 10th in innings (230.1), 8th in K's (184), 7th in ERA (3.87), and is tied for 4th in career wins (17). Rosenberg moves into 9th in appearances (70), 3rd in innings (303.0), 6th in strikeouts (208) and 8th in saves (8). His eight saves this season is also tied for 6th in single season history at UofL. Five of his saves have been in league play.

RU game two starter Kyle Bradley was saddled with the loss dropping to 1-4 on the season, allowing four runs on just two hits and three walks in six innings.

Senior Derrick Alfonso returned to the lineup after missing 24 games with a broken hand. He flew out to right in game one as a pinch hitter and drew a pinch walk in game two.

Fans are encouraged to prior to the 12:00 first pitch Saturday for a brief pregame ceremony honoring the senior class of 2008, which includes student manager Jeff Mason, Alfonso, James Belanger, Greg Del George, McClanahan, Pitts and Rosenberg.