Owls swept out of NCAA tourney

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY -- Nick Solak's two-run homer in the top of the fifth inning propelled Louisville to a 7-4 win over Kennesaw State on Saturday night, sending the Cardinals to their second straight College World Series and third in school history.<br /> <br /> The Cardinals (50-15) have appeared in the College World Series three times since coach Dan McDonnell was hired in 2007. Before his arrival in Louisville, the Cardinals had never won a game in the NCAA tournament.<br /> <br /> Solak, Louisville's freshman designated hitter, finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs and went 4-for-7 with a home run, two doubles and six RBIs in the super regionals.<br /> <br /> Kennesaw State jumped out to an early lead off Louisville starter Anthony Kidston. Kal Simmons doubled to lead off the bottom of the first, and he reached third on a sacrifice bunt. Catcher Max Pentecost singled to give the Owls a 1-0 lead.<br /> <br /> Pentecost, the 11th pick in the Major League Baseball draft, gave the Owls a lead with a bases-loaded, two-run double in the bottom of the third. Through three innings, the Owls led 4-2.<br /> <br /> But Louisville's Cole Sturgeon singled in a run with one out in the fifth, and he was on first when Solak's high fly ball cleared the left-field fence.<br /> <br /> The Owls (40-24) finished their season having won 26 of their last 30 games. Kennesaw State had not lost consecutive games since April 4-5 before being swept out of the super regional.<br /> <br /> Kennesaw State was making its first NCAA tournament appearance since transitioning from Division II in 2007.<br /> <br /> Louisville closer Nick Burdi earned his 18th save of the season, notching saves in both super regional wins. He lowered his ERA to 0.51 with his scoreless ninth inning.<br /> <br /> Kidston (9-0) earned the win, pitching six innings and allowing four earned runs. He struck out seven and walked two.

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