The Blue Raiders (44-17) led throughout the game but Louisville (46-15) scored two key runs, one in the eighth to tie and then the eventual winning run in the ninth. In the ninth, with one out and a runner at third junior Drew Robertson had a throwing error trying to pick off the runner in which he scored and gave Louisville the winning run.

"It got down to something big was going to happen. Bryce threw really well and their guys matched him up. Their relief guy came in and we just could not pick-up his change-up. Its unfortunate that Drew threw the ball away there but he thought he had an out," head coach Steve Peterson said. "It was a heck of a ball game and I have to take my hat off to Louisville they have a very good ball team."

Sophomore Bryce Brentz received the start on the mound allowing two runs on six hits in 7.2 innings of work striking out six batters.

Junior Coty Woods (4-3) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning of work. Sophomore Nick Montgomery entered the game with one out in the ninth to finish things out and allowed no runs or hits.

Junior Ben Darlington and sophomore Tyler Burnett each had two hits on the day to guide the Blue Raiders at the plate.

Middle Tennessee had seven hits on the night none of which were for extra bases.

Louisville had eight hits on the night and was led at the plate by Josh Richmond who went 3 for 4 with a double, home run and scored two runs.

Derek Self (7-0) picked up the win on the mound for the Cardinals allowing no runs or hits in three innings of work.

Middle Tennessee put the first run on the board as a deep fly ball to right centerfield by Brentz scored Hines from third making it 1-0 in the top of the first.

In the fourth inning, the Blue Raiders added another run after a single to right field by Meinhart brought in Bishop from second extending the lead to two.

Louisville put its first run on the board in the sixth after a double by Clark scored Richmond from third closing the gap to one, 2-1.

The Cardinals knotted the score at 2 on a leadoff home run by Richmond in the eighth.

Middle Tennessee will play Vanderbilt in an elimination game at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. With a win, the Blue Raiders will play again Sunday night at 6 p.m. against Louisville in the championship game of the Regional.

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