Good news for the University of Louisville baseball team on two fronts after a convincing 12-3 win over Seton Hall in the first round of the Big East Tournament in Clearwater:
They don’t have to face St. John’s, the league champion, in the second game. The Redmen dominated the Big East with a 20-7 won-lost record in regular season league play and an overall record of 41-12.
They play Villanova but won’t have to face pitcher Brian Streilein who earlier this season limited U of L to one hit and no runs in seven innings in a 3-1 loss. Streilein won’t be around Wednesday, having pitched seven innings today in a 12-0 win over St. John’s.
Matt Lea, the big 6-foot-5 right-handed sophomore who transferred to Louisville from Mississippi State, earned his fifth win without a loss this season in UofL’s win over Seton Hall, allowing one hit and one run in 5 2/3 innings.
John Dao had four hits, including his third home run, scoring four runs, raising his batting average to a hefty .357.
Justin McClanahan may getting healthy again after back problems, and just in time, collecting three hits, including two doubles that raised his season total to 23, tying a team record for two-base hits. Batting 356.
Chris Dominguez had two hits, driving in three runs. Batting .366.
Coach Dan McDonnell’s team has won 14 of its last 18 games; won-lost record is 38-19.
The Cards are 3-0 in the opening games of the Big East Tournament after three seasons.
The U of L-Villanova matchup is scheduled 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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