The idea of starting the college baseball season in February had to have originated in Florida. Makes no sense otherwise. With temperatures hovering in the high twenties, the foot warmers were useless. Toe-numbing weather.
Former U of L base thief Boomer Whiting on hand but staying warm in the heated press box. This guy, finally home, trying to get thawed out two hours after the Baseball Cards sweep a doubleheader over Cleveland State, winning by scores of 13-5 and 4-2.
Cards collected 12 hits in a slugfest the first game, five runs in the sixth inning and seven runs in the eighth. Zach Pitts pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts to pick up his first win.
Cards had only two home runs in the two games, both of them by senior second baseman Justin McClanahan, including a two-run blast in the first game and a solo in the second.
U of L pitcher Justin Marks had no-hitter going into the fourth inning in the nightcap before giving up a walk and Cleveland’s State’s only hit — a double that drove in Cleveland State’s two runs.
Gabriel Shaw, who relieved Marks, was among the impressive newcomers to the Cards lineup. With great form and speed, the Paducah native may emerge as the stopper. He allowed no hits or base runners while striking out seven batters in five innings.
Crowd estimated at 600, probably a record for a U of L baseball opener. Froze their buns off.
Sure was a wonderful start to the season. I’m glad so many fans showed up on such a cold day to support our Cardinals. U of L should be a National Champ contender (AGAIN) this year. Go CARDS – beat Cleveland State !!!!