Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Louisville
Sixth Inning Outburst Carries Cards past ‘Cats
3/9/2024 2:48:00 PM | Baseball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After being held quiet for the first four innings, Louisville's offense erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth en route to a 10-2 win on Saturday, March 9 at Jim Patterson Stadium.
Saturday's game started as a pitcher's duel, with Evan Webster and Luke Benneche holding each offense silent through the game's first four innings. The Cardinals (10-4) broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth inning with seven runs on six hits and two walks. Northwestern (5-7) got on the scoreboard by way of Bennett Markinson's second home run of 2024 and fourth of his career, a solo shot to left-center.
Louisville put up three runs on back-to-back home runs in the sixth, extending the lead to 10-1. The Wildcats plated a run in the ninth when Preston Knott scored on a double play, making the final score 10-2.Bark Blast!
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) March 9, 2024
?? @bmarkinson9 pic.twitter.com/FolBB6UViJ
Evan Webster (2-0) earned the win for the Cardinals. The senior allowed just one run on four hits, striking out three in 6.0 innings of action.
Luke Benneche (0-1) was credited with the loss, his first of the season. The Simsbury, Connecticut native allowed seven runs on five hits, issuing six walks and striking out three in 4.1 innings of work.
Game Notes
- With a second-inning single, Jackson Freeman has reached base safely in each of Northwestern's first 12 games.
- Owen McElfatrick recorded his fourth multi-hit game in his last five games.
- Jack Dyke threw 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
The series finale is set for Sunday, March 10 at 11 a.m. CT on ACCNX.
