The University of Louisville softball team defeated Pittsburgh 14-0 in five innings on April 19, finishing a weekend sweep at Ulmer Stadium. All three games in the series ended by run rule, with Louisville improving to a record of 38-9 overall and 13-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The win marks another strong performance for the Cardinals as they continue their season. The team’s consistent offense and pitching throughout the series highlight their position as a leading contender in conference play.
Madison Pickens went 1-for-3 and drove in three runs, setting a new program record for most RBIs in a single season. Bri Despines led the team offensively with three hits and five RBIs, including her first career grand slam. Camryn Lookadoo also contributed significantly, recording three doubles while scoring twice and driving in two runs. Alyssa Zabala earned her twelfth win after pitching three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits. Anna Wise and Jayden Gohs combined to pitch the final two innings without giving up any hits; Wise struck out two batters.
Louisville scored four runs in the first inning, followed by nine more during an explosive third inning where fourteen different players stepped up to bat. Key moments included Lookadoo’s RBI double, Pickens’ record-setting RBIs on a single, bases-loaded walks that added runs, and Despines’ grand slam that cleared the bases. The Cardinals added one more run in the fourth inning when Jordan Williams was brought home by Taylor Monroe.
Pittsburgh threatened with a runner on third base in the fifth inning but could not score as Gohs forced three consecutive outs to end the game early under run-rule conditions.
Looking ahead, Louisville will host Kentucky at Ulmer Stadium on Wednesday, April 22 for another matchup known as “the Battle of the Bluegrass.” First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., with coverage available via ACCNX.
