Life is so different on the road.

Drew Harrington is human, unfortunately, giving up six hits and seven runs in one inning. Yes, that Drew Harrington, the Atlantic Coast Conference pitcher of the year.

Coach Dan McDonnell leaving him on the mound, trusting Harrington to regain control, finally lifting him only after Virginia had batted around and scored seven runs … with no end in sight. Harrington shellshocked, escaping the mound for the safety of the dugout.

A pitcher’s worst nightmare, even worse than Brendan McKay’s experience from the day before. The team’s two most dependable pitchers burnt toast — one unable to get the ball over the plate, the other providing batting practice for the opposition.

Louisville will go on to lose a 7-2 decision to Virginia, probably dropping down three or four seed spots in the NCAA tournament after finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the RPI ratings.

More proof that University of Louisville baseball fans can never relax, never take anything for granted. One loss, bad. Two in a row, whoa.

This UofL team is exceptionally good at Jim Patterson Stadium, winning 33 or 34 games at home this season. Take these players on the road, however, and it’s a different story,  struggling at the plate and on the mound.

Understandable if the Cardinals are in a hurry get back to Louisville. Exactly what they need in the NCAA tournament, hosting a Regional and possibly a Super Regional at JPS. They will be highly motivated after being embarrassed in the ACC tournament.

This was a team talking about winning a national championship when the season began. Playing well at home just may help get them to Omaha. But just getting there won’t be any fun if they are road weary.

Share this

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 “Louisville baseball returns to the friendly confines of Jim Patterson”
  1. No need to freak out. Those were two pretty good teams we lost to this week. Clemson, who we swept in our regular season series, is ranked 12th in the nation, and Virginia, who we beat 2 of 3 times in the regular season series, is ranked 7th. We aren’t falling apart, just a tough couple of outings for the good guy. They’ll be back. Go CARDS!

Comments are closed.