LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a tense seventh inning, Eddie King Jr. drove in the decisive run with a double to secure a 3-2 victory for Louisville over Miami on Sunday. This win propels the Cardinals into their sixth College World Series appearance.
King’s crucial hit followed a two-out single by Jake Munroe and a wild pitch, setting the stage for Louisville’s accomplishment. Both Louisville (39-21) and Miami were not among the top 16 seeds in the tournament. However, the Cardinals pulled off an unexpected victory at the Nashville Regional, hosted by the top-seeded Vanderbilt, while Miami claimed the Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg Regional.
Next, Louisville is set to compete against the winner of the Oregon State versus Florida State match-up in Omaha, Nebraska later this week. Meanwhile, Miami (34-26), aspiring for its 26th CWS entrance, fell short this time.
Miami gained an early advantage with a two-run homer by Max Galvin in the third inning. Nevertheless, Louisville equalized in the fourth, thanks to an RBI double from Zion Rose and a run scored on a fielder’s choice.
Ethan Eberle, Miami’s starting pitcher, lasted five innings and surrendered six hits. Jake Schweitzer (4-2) conceded two hits and two walks over three innings, while Justin West managed to record two outs in the ninth inning but issued two walks. Brennyn Cutts then secured the win with a flyout for his second save.
The loss was charged to Will Smith (3-1), who was the third of five pitchers sent to the mound by Miami in the game.