Louisville Wins Pitcher's Duel Over Bowling Green to Open Weekend Series

The Cardinals overcame a slow day at the plate thanks to stellar outings from Ryan Hawks and Greg Farone.

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W: Ryan Hawks (2-0), L: Gage Schenk (0-2), Greg Farone (1)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Continuing on their homestand to begin the 2023 season, the Louisville baseball program kicked off their weekend series against Bowling Green on the right foot, winning a 2-1 decision Friday at Jim Patterson Stadium.

The winning effort by the No. 4 Cardinals (5-0) was fueled almost exclusively by their pitching staff, and primarily by starter Ryan Hawks (7.1 IP, 8 K, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER). The right-hander came just one strikeout short of matching his career-high, and posted back-to-back quality starts after winning last Friday's season-opener against Bucknell.

JUCO transfer Greg Farone (1.2 IP, 3 K) backed up Hawks' stellar start with an equally as impressive relief appearance. The left-hander struck out all but one of the four batters he faced, and clinched his first save as a member of the Cardinals.

Pitching made up for a lackluster day at the plate for Louisville's offense, as they tallied just four base hits and no walks on the day, with only three Cardinals reaching base period. Jack Payton (2-3, HR, RBI, 2B) was the lone player to get on base more than once, with Eddie King Jr. (1-3, RBI) and Haven Mangrum (1-3) collecting the other two hits for the Cardinals.

Louisville struck first with a solo home run down the left field line by Payton in the opening frame, and then the bats fell into an extended lull. The Cardinals would not get another man on base until the sixth inning when Christian Knapcyzk (0-4) reached on a fielding error.

Earlier in the sixth, Bowling Green was able to scratch across the game-tying run. The Falcons managed a one-out single, the runner advanced to third on a throwing error, then an RBI single brought him home.

The Cardinals, even in their offensive cold streak, were able to respond relatively quickly and avoid taking the game into extra innings. Payton lead off the seventh with a double, and he was then brought home by King thanks to a one-out RBI single.

Next up for Louisville, they'll continue their weekend series against Bowling Green with game two. First pitch is slated for Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST, and will be televised on ACC Network Extra and broadcast on 970 WGTK.

(Photo of Gavin Kilen: Jared Anderson - Louisville Report)

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