Kade McClure having problems again, providing still more drama in the University of Louisville’s opening game in the NCAA Regional at Jim Patterson Stadium.
McClure struggling to get anybody out, loading the bases in the fourth inning against Radford University. A double, a walk and a hit batsman, followed by a grand slam by Adam Whitacre, slashing a six-run Louisville lead to four runs. Whitacre would tap McClure again two innings later for a two-run triple, tying the score at 6-6.
It was the night Jake Snider would emerge from obscurity, coming through with the first home run of his college career, a two-run blast over right centerfield to put UofL ahead to stay in an 11-6 before a crowd of 3,763. Nice to have some production from the ninth spot in the batting order for a change.
It has taken a while for Snider to get going but Dan McDonnell was not surprised. “Snider has got one of those swings,” said the UofL coach. “He’s going to be a phenomenal hitter.”
Sam Bordner, a 6-foot-6 right hander, relieving McClure with two on and two outs in the sixth inning. He would quickly shut down the Highlanders, getting six strikeouts while allowing no hits the rest of the way.
Bordner getting better at just the right time, improving his won-lost record to 2-0 and lowering his earned run average to .50. Turning the off button on the drama, ensuring Louisville advances another day in the NCAA.