Tight Cards Stumble In Opener

Reflections after the University of Louisville baseball team drops an 8-5 decision to Georgia Tech in the first game of the NCAA regional at Athens:

  D@&*$#   (&*x# !

  The Cards are tight, making mental errors, some of the freshmen feeling the pressure of their first NCAA tournament game. Miscalulating easy fly balls, making bad throws, getting caught off base, putting themselves in a position to fail.

  Justin McClanahan just now in the hitting groove again, fully recovered from his injuries. Three hits, including two home runs, against Georgia Tech, salivating for another at bat in the top of the ninth as the game ended.

  John Dao suffers in comparison with his predecessor Chris Yates (Wee Man) at shortstop, playing stiff and awkward defensively at this point in his college career. Great choice for lead off hitter, always good to see him at the plate.

  Jeff Marks has a nice assortment of pitches, throwing well enough to win. Bad breaks on some noteable calls, costly fielding decisions and errors behind him.

  Freshman Thomas Royse has a smoking fast ball that is feeding the appetite of opposing hitters right now. He will benefit with pitching coach Roger Williams around to guide him.

  Any doubt about rightfielder Stewart Ijames’ throwing arm was erased when he threw a strike to home plate, nailing a surprised Georgia Tech runner by three or four feet at home plate.

  Chris Dominguez’ enthusiasm is contagious, enjoys the game, a calming influence on teammates, a terror for opposing pitchers.

  Confidence levels will be up if Matt Lea (5-0) is on the mound for the 3 p.m. Saturday game against Georgia in the elimination bracket, especially with a rested B. J. Rosenberg around to close.