Louisville Routs Eastern Kentucky in Midweek Matchup

Cardinals bounce back with 17-7 run-rule victory after recent struggles

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A dynamic, colorful painting with rapid, energetic brushstrokes depicting the action and movement of a college baseball game, with players' forms and uniforms blending together in a vibrant, expressionist style.Louisville's offensive outburst showcases the explosive energy and athleticism of college baseball.Lexington Today

The Louisville baseball team secured a much-needed 17-7 win over Eastern Kentucky in a neutral site midweek matchup at Legends Field in Lexington, Kentucky. The Cardinals entered the game having lost 5 of their last 7, but got big offensive performances from several players, including 4-RBI games from third baseman Bayram Hot and outfielder Ben Slanker.

Why it matters

This win helps Louisville get back on track after a recent rough stretch, as they look to build momentum heading into a key ACC road series at Duke this weekend. The Cardinals' offense exploded for 17 runs, including 4 home runs, to run-rule the Colonels in 7 innings.

The details

Louisville jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the 1st inning on homers from Hot and first baseman Tague Davis, but Eastern Kentucky responded with 4 runs in the bottom half to take the lead. The Cardinals then scored 7 unanswered runs over the next few innings, highlighted by a 2-run double from Hot and a grand slam from Slanker in the 4th. EKU got a run back in the 4th, but Louisville tacked on 3 more in the 5th and 6th to pull away. The Colonels scored 2 in the 6th, but the Cardinals put up 4 more in the 7th to secure the run-rule victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Louisville will travel to Duke for a 3-game ACC series starting on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Bayram Hot

Louisville's third baseman, who had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run, double, and 4 RBIs.

Ben Slanker

Louisville's outfielder, who hit a grand slam as part of his 1-for-1, 4-RBI performance.

Tague Davis

Louisville's first baseman, who hit a solo home run as part of a 2-for-3 day with a walk and an RBI.

Kian Vorster

Louisville's starting pitcher, who struggled early and was replaced after just 0.1 innings.

T.J. Schlagater

Louisville's relief pitcher, who settled things down with 2.2 innings of 1-hit ball.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we needed to bounce back after a tough stretch, and the guys really came out and delivered today. It was great to see the offense clicking on all cylinders.”

— Dan McDonnell, Louisville Head Coach

What’s next

Louisville will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming 3-game ACC road series at Duke, which begins on Thursday, April 2 at 8:00 PM EST.

The takeaway

This run-rule victory over Eastern Kentucky should provide a much-needed confidence boost for Louisville as they try to get back on track in ACC play. The Cardinals' offense exploded for 17 runs, including 4 home runs, showing they have the firepower to compete with any team when they're clicking.