Louisville Wins Over Eastern Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Paced by strong offensive performances from junior outfielders Adam Engel and Cole Sturgeon and sophomore infielder Sutton Whiting, the fourth-ranked Louisville baseball team earned a 17-6 victory over visiting Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon during the Cardinals’ home-opener at newly expanded Jim Patterson Stadium.

With the their third straight win, Louisville improved to 3-1 on the season, while the Colonels dropped to 1-3 overall after suffering their second straight loss. The Cardinals have won six of their last seven home-openers and have won 11 of the last 12 on the diamond against EKU.

Engel (Cincinnati, Ohio/Loveland HS) led the way for Louisville going 3-for-5 with a double, triple, career best four RBI, three runs scored and three stolen bases in the win. Sturgeon (Owensboro, Ky./Owensboro Catholic HS) added four hits with two stolen bases, two runs and an RBI, while Whiting (New Wilmington, Pa./Louisville Ballard HS) finished 3-of-3 with two doubles, three RB and two runs scored.

Overall, the Cardinals’ 17 runs were the most since their 21-4 win at Indiana on April 17, 2012, while the 20 hits matched last season’s high total against Missouri in the NCAA Regional. Louisville also finished with 11 stolen bases on Wednesday, the most ever under the guidance of head coach Dan McDonnell.