Louisville Announces Starting Rotation for Season Opening Series vs. Bucknell

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With the start of their 2023 season just one days away, the Louisville baseball program has officially named their starting pitching rotation for their season-opening three-game weekend series vs. Bucknell.

Senior right-hander Ryan Hawks will deliver the first pitch of the season, as he has been designated as the Friday night starter for the series. Junior left-hander Riley Phillips will take the ball to start on Saturday, as will sophomore right-hander Carson Liggett on Sunday.

After missing the entire 2021 season due to injury, Hawks was on of Louisville's more consistent relief pitchers in 2022. Making 27 appearances with one start, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound right-hander posted 4.96 ERA over 49.0 innings pitched, striking out 65 batters and allowing only 16 walks.

Phillips was a staple of Louisville's weekend rotation last season, and was one of only two pitchers for the Cardinals last season to make double digit starts. In 13 starts and two relief appearances, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound southpaw finished with an ERA of 4.34 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 69.17 in 58.0 innings pitched.

Liggett was one of a handful of freshmen to see significant playing time last year, and was mainly a bullpen arm. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound right-hander posted a 4.68 ERA over 18 appearances and four starts, striking out 21 batters and walking 15 over 25.0 total innings.

First pitch of No. 5 Louisville's season-opener against Bucknell is set for Friday, Feb. 17 at 3:00 p.m. EST, and will be televised on ACC Network Extra.

(Photo of Ryan Hawks via University of Louisville Athletics)

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