Despite the "maximum" efforts from highly rated Catcher Max Pentecost, the Kennesaw State Owls simply could not beat the Louisville Cardinals. Pentecost got started in the first with a RBI single to take the lead, scoring leadoff shortstop Kal Simmons. But he was thrown out trying to steal second only a few pitches later.
Louisville responded with some runs in the top of the third. They were able to score by getting the first two men on, Lucas and Gibson. They both advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Sturgeon. Then came home after a sacrifice fly by Solak and a single by Gardner.
Kennesaw State was not going to stop there either though, loading the bases with no outs for Pentecost to come back to the plate. He didn't disappoint either, getting a 2 RBI double to left centerfield. McGowan also had an RBI on a ground out to shortstop, but Pentecost was left stranded at third base with a 4-2 lead. Kennesaw State would be held scoreless from this point on though.
Louisville took the lead back in the top of the 5th, as Solak got some RBI's on a 2 run Home Run, clearing the bases as the Cardinals scored 3 runs to take a 1 run lead back over the Owls. And in the top of the 6th Whiting and Ray did a double steal of second and third base, coming home to score on a 2 RBI single by Sturgeon, who tied Solak as they both had 3 RBI's on the day.
The Cardinals didn't play their prettiest game against the Owls today, but it was just enough to get them to advance to the College World Series. They were just in the College World Series last year, and are hoping to improve on their mark, since they lost both games last year to the Indiana Hoosiers and the Oregon State Beavers. Still, this is only their 3rd appearance to Omaha, and they would love to come back home to the hometown of the Louisville Slugger with a beautiful trophy.