Farone's Gem Powers Louisville Past TCU in Shriners College Classic

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
UL	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	13	1
TCU	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	4	1

W: Greg Farone (1-0), L: Kole Klecker (2-1), Tate Kuehner (1)

HOUSTON - Facing TCU for their second game in the Shriners Children's College Classic, the Louisville baseball program moved to 2-0 in the event, using a masterful performance from left-hander Greg Farone to ride to a 3-2 victory Saturday at Minute Maid Park.

Farone (7.0 IP, 9 K, 2 BB, 2 H, 1 ER) made the move from the bullpen to make his first career start for the No. 4 Cardinals (9-1), and he did not disappoint. Following a shaky first inning, the JUCO transfer then proceeded to retire 18 consecutive batters and set a new career-high in strikeouts in a Cardinal uniform.

Louisville matched the amount of base hits they collected in their 14-5 win over Texas A&M the night before, but wound up scratching across 11 less runs against the No. 10 Horned Frogs (6-4). The Cardinals as a whole bat 5-for-16 with runners on base, and just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Still, Louisville got just enough offense to come out with a win. Jack Payton (2-5, HR, 2 RBI) launched a two-run home run in the third, then Gavin Kilen (3-4) scored on a fielding error in the fourth after collecting a double. Christian Knapczyk (2-5), Isaac Humphrey (2-5) and Logan Beard (2-3, 2B, BB) also had multi-hit days.

TCU didn't chase Farone out until the eighth when he gave up a leadoff single. The Frogs made it interesting late, hitting a two-run home run off of Tate Kuehner (2.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 2 H, 1 ER) to break the shutout and getting a pair of men on base in the ninth. However, the right-handed reliever was able to pitch around the jam and earn his first save of the season.

Next up for Louisville, they'll play their third and final game in the Shriners College Classic with a matchup against Michigan. First pitch is slated for Sunday, Mar. 5 at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will be streamed on Astros.com and broadcast on 93.9 The Ville.

(Photo of Christian Knapczyk: Jared Anderson - Louisville Report)

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