Louisville Smothered by NC State to Clinch Series Loss

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
UL	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	3
NCST	1	0	0	0	0	4	5	0	X	10	13	1

W: Matt Willadsen (4-2), L: Greg Farone (1-2), S: Justin Lawson (3)

RALEIGH, N.C. - One day removed from getting walked-off by NC State to kick off their road weekend series, the Louisville baseball program fell flat on their face in game two, suffering a 10-0 shutout defeat Saturday at Doak Field.

The No. 11 Cardinals (20-6, 3-5 ACC) are shut out for the first time since falling 2-0 on May 21, 2021 vs. Miami, and suffer their worst loss against an ACC opponent since falling 14-3 at Wake Forest on May 7, 2022. Louisville also drops back-to-back series in ACC play for the first time since getting swept by both North Carolina and Miami to end the 2021 regular season.

Greg Farone (5.1 IP, 2 K, 5 BB, 5 H, 3 ER) didn't have the most efficient start for Louisville, posting a personal season-low in strikeouts for a starting appearance, but he did a solid job of bending but not breaking. After surrendering a solo home run in the opening frame, he countered that with four scoreless frames to give the Cardinals a chance.

But also like in game one, the Cardinals' offense was almost completely nonexistent. Struggling against NC State (20-7, 5-6 ACC) starter Matt Willadsen and reliever Justin Lawson. Louisville tied for their fewest hits produced on the season, got no-hit through the fifth inning, and had just eight batters reach base safely.

Only Jack Payton (1-4), Will Cook (1-1, 2B), Brandon Anderson (1-3, HBP) and Will Vierling (1-2, BB) produced base hits for Louisville, with the latter two being the only Cardinals to get on base more than once.

Eventually, NC State caught up to the pitching staff in the sixth inning, plating four runs in the frame to take command. Farone was yanked after giving up a pair of baserunners in the frame, to which Kaleb Corbett (0.1 IP, 1 BB, 3 H, 1 ER) then allowed three RBI base hits.

Adding insult to injury, Louisville also produced a pair of fielding errors in the seventh on top of shaky bullpen pitching, producing a five-run inning for the Wolfpack. Kayden Campbell (0.1 IP, 1 K, 3 H, 3 ER) gave up a leadoff homer and two-run single in the frame, while Cam Robinson (0.2 IP, 1 K, 1 H) allowed a two-run double.

Wyatt Danilowicz (0.1 IP, 1 K) and Patrick Forbes (1.0 IP, 2 K, 1 H) were able to cleanly get the final four outs of the game, but by then, the damage had already been done.

Next up for Louisville, they'll attempt to prevent an NC State sweep in the series finale. First pitch is slated for Sunday, Apr. 2 at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will be televised on ESPNEWS and broadcast on 93.9 The Ville

(Photo via Jared Anderson - Louisville Report)

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