Corey Ray Louisville vs. Michigan 5-31-15 Jim Patterson Stadium Photo by Mark Blankenbaker

Cardinal Nine Rolled SIU-Edwardsville in 1st Outing + Dan McDonnell Post-Game

Mark BlankenbakerFebruary 20, 2016

The second-ranked Louisville baseball team kicked off the 2016 campaign with its highest scoring season-opener in more than 65 years with Friday afternoon’s 21-4 victory over SIU Edwardsville at Jim Patterson Stadium.

Playing in front of a school record opening day crowd of 3,116, all nine starters in the Cardinals lineup reached base safely at least two times as Louisville produced its highest run output to begin a season since a 22-9 win over Ohio Wesleyan in 1950. The 21 runs, highlighted by the eight-run fourth inning, were also the most for the Cardinals since a 21-8 win over Western Michigan on Feb. 21, 2014.

Senior first baseman Danny Rosenbaum paced the way for the Cardinals, who have won three straight season-openers, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, four RBI and two runs scored, while sophomore shortstop Devin Hairston was 3-for-6 with two RBI and scored twice. Junior outfielder Logan Taylor chipped in going 2-for-3 with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored and junior outfielder Corey Ray was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and three runs. Colin Lyman, Louisville’s third junior starting outfielder, added a 2-for-3 day at the plate with two RBI and scored once.

On the mound, senior righty Kyle Funkhouser earned his 27th career win and moved within two victories of Louisville’s all-time leader Justin Marks after allowing striking out three and allowing two runs on seven hits in five innings. It was the 42nd career start for Funkhouser, placing him fourth all-time at Louisville and he moved into fifth place in career innings with 292.1.

Following Funkhouser was sophomore righty Kade McClure, who struck out the side in order on just 11 pitches in the sixth inning before freshman righty Sam Bordner worked the final three innings for his first collegiate save. Bordner finished with three strikeouts and allowed two runs on just one hit in his three innings of relief.

The Cardinals and Cougars will continue their series Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m., with each of those games set for 93.9 The Ville. Admission is free throughout the weekend at Patterson Stadium.