LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Behind a stellar performance on the mound by Kyle Potthoff, Northwestern defeated Louisville 6-3 in the series finale at Louisville on Sunday at Jim Patterson Stadium.
The Wildcats added on in the second inning with a Bianchina single, scoring Liolios to give NU a 3-0 advantage. An RBI groundout from Jackson Freeman put Northwestern up four after two frames. In the top of the fourth, Markinson drove in Owen McElfatrick to extend the Northwestern advantage to 5-0.
Louisville (10-5) got one run back on a solo home run to right field by Isaac Humphrey to make it a 5-1 game.
Northwestern re-extended the lead with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Preston Knott doubled to third and advanced on a fielding error by the UL centerfielder, and scored when Trent Liolios reached on an error by the Cardinal first baseman.
UL loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh with nobody out before a walk pushed a run across to trim the deficit to four. Another UL run scored on a wild pitch, cutting the margin to three, before Garrett Shearer responded to strand the bases loaded.
In the bottom of the eighth, Shearer sent the Cards down in order, highlighted by a sensational highlight-reel catch by Jackson Freeman. Shearer surrendered one hit in the ninth before closing the game out, earning his second career save.
Parker Detmers (1-1) was credited with the loss for Louisville, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.1 innings pitched. Game Notes
Northwestern (6-7) got on the board early on Sunday with two runs in the first inning. The 'Cats loaded the bases with nobody out for Jackson Freeman, who drove in Vince Bianchina by way of a sacrifice fly to left field to give NU a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Bennett Markinson scored on a wild pitch to double the Wildcat lead.'CATS WIN! ?? pic.twitter.com/c2eM3erGjc
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) March 10, 2024
The Wildcats added on in the second inning with a Bianchina single, scoring Liolios to give NU a 3-0 advantage. An RBI groundout from Jackson Freeman put Northwestern up four after two frames. In the top of the fourth, Markinson drove in Owen McElfatrick to extend the Northwestern advantage to 5-0.
Louisville (10-5) got one run back on a solo home run to right field by Isaac Humphrey to make it a 5-1 game.
Northwestern re-extended the lead with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Preston Knott doubled to third and advanced on a fielding error by the UL centerfielder, and scored when Trent Liolios reached on an error by the Cardinal first baseman.
UL loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh with nobody out before a walk pushed a run across to trim the deficit to four. Another UL run scored on a wild pitch, cutting the margin to three, before Garrett Shearer responded to strand the bases loaded.
In the bottom of the eighth, Shearer sent the Cards down in order, highlighted by a sensational highlight-reel catch by Jackson Freeman. Shearer surrendered one hit in the ninth before closing the game out, earning his second career save.
Kyle Potthoff (2-0) was lights out for the Wildcats, throwing 5.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk and striking out four batters.JACKSON FREEMAN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! ??#SCTop10 | @NCAABaseball pic.twitter.com/Ukh1eEONYP
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) March 10, 2024
Parker Detmers (1-1) was credited with the loss for Louisville, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.1 innings pitched. Game Notes
- Northwestern's win snapped a 10-game Louisville win streak.
- Jackson Freeman has now reached base safely in his first 13 collegiate games.