No one felt more empathy for University of Louisville pitchers Brendan McKay and Drew Harrington during their struggles in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament than one of their own.

Kyle Funkhouser has been there more than a couple of times this season, unable to get a ball over the plate, unable to get anyone out, watching baseballs sail out of the park on him.

Takes time to recover, to regain confidence, get back on the mound, knowing the game is in your hands, the outcome resting on your shoulders. The former All-American was moved from starting on Fridays to Sundays after giving up eight runs in four innings to Florida State in April.

Funkhouser, the all-time winningest pitcher in UofL history with a 34-12 won-lost record, has worked his way back. He’s the pitcher Dan McDonnell has picked to start in the first game against West Michigan of the NCAA Regional this week.

“In baseball you’re going to struggle, no matter what,” said Funkhouse during a presser on Tuesday. “It’s kind of a game of failure, really. I would have liked to have had a little better of a season … I’ve learned a lot more coming back about myself and the team and just baseball in general. So I’m really thankful I came back.”

Funkhouser, remember, turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers after getting picked in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft last season. The miserable start of the season could have completely destroyed his confidence but he finished strong, winning his last five games against good competition.

Having pitched in the first game of numerous regionals, and even the College World Series during his college career, Funkhouser is back where he wants to be in the post season.

Kyle wants the ball, confident he can get UofL off to a good start.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “Funkhouser back at top of rotation as NCAA baseball begins”
    1. Although he has been the midweek starter, Kade McClure would be next in the rotation. That would give Brendan McKay another day to recover from whatever was bothering him in the last game.

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