Louisville Blown Out by Michigan State to Clinch Series Loss

The Cardinals drop their first season-opening series since 2020.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Louisville baseball team suffered a 13-4 loss to Michigan State on Saturday, clinching a series loss to the Spartans in their season-opening three-game set. This marks the first time Louisville has lost their first three-game series of a season since 2020 and their first such home series loss since 2011.

Why it matters

Louisville is typically a strong baseball program, so dropping their opening series is an unexpected and disappointing start to the season. The lopsided nature of the loss to Michigan State also raises questions about the Cardinals' pitching staff and ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities.

The details

Louisville collected 13 hits in the game but struggled to drive in runs, going just 4-for-20 with runners on base. The Spartans, on the other hand, jumped out to an early lead and blew the game open with a six-run fourth inning. Michigan State's Parker Picot had a big day at the plate, hitting two home runs and driving in 8 RBIs.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • This was the second game of a three-game season-opening series between Louisville and Michigan State.

The players

Ben Slanker

A Louisville player who went 3-for-3 with a home run and 3 RBIs.

Parker Picot

A Michigan State player who hit two home runs and drove in 8 RBIs.

Jake Bean

The Louisville starting pitcher who went 3.2 innings, allowing 5 earned runs.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Louisville will try to salvage a game in their season-opening series against Michigan State with the third and final game on Sunday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The takeaway

This lopsided loss to Michigan State raises concerns about Louisville's pitching and offensive execution in big moments, issues they'll need to address quickly if they hope to bounce back and have a successful season.