Softball Drops Game One -- DERBY DAY CARDINAL COUPLE

DERBY DAY IN THE VILLE

The First Saturday in May is Kentucky Derby Day. The eyes of the world turn to Louisville, KY for the most exciting two minutes in sports. In keeping with our long standing tradition here at CARDINAL COUPLE, here is Dan Fogelberg's song about the event. Derby won't be the same without John Asher, but -- he'd tell us to enjoy the day and celebrate the Run For The Roses.

LINK: RUN FOR THE ROSES -- Dan Fogelberg

In Dan's words:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Change horses in the middle of the stream if you choose. There is a place in the world for a gambler, so  Explore, Dream, Discover." 

Softball Falls Behind Early, Can't Recover

Playing in their final regular season series, Louisville gave up a two run blast in the bottom of the first inning against NC State that would prove to be the difference. Louisville brought the deficit down to one run twice in the game, but ultimately fell 4-3.  The Cards will continue the series today at 1PM if you're looking to double screen some softball alongside your Derby Day festivities.

All was not lost in the game, though. As Paulie mentioned yesterday, Sidney Melton gets on base a lot. She also steals bases a lot. In fact, with her steal yesterday, Melton broke the UofL softball record for single season steals. Sidney Melton has meant quite a bit to this program in her time here, and now there will be a lasting mark to commemorate her tenure.

 As for the rest of team, Louisville was mostly held quiet on the day offensively. The Cards finished with just four hits, three walks and a hit-by-pitch, though they did strikeout just once. The Cards just weren't able to get going, either putting players on base or driving them in. Of Louisville's three runs scored, only one was credited with an RBI. It was none other than Sidney Melton. Melton knocked in Celene Funke with a fielder's choice groundout. Funke had gotten into scoring position with, you guessed it, a triple. She maintains her national lead on the stat. Joining Funke in crossing the plate were Melton and Kyra Snyder, both who scored on separate wild pitches.

Danielle Watson pitched the complete six innings in this one, scattering seven hits, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch, while striking out five. Unlike the Cards, though, the Wolfpack were able to string together a few of their hits to score four earned runs. NC State was led by Logan Morris, who went 2-3 with two RBIs and 2 runs scored.

With last week's game 3 win, Louisville locked themselves into finishing at least .500 in conference play this season, already an improvement on last season's 10-12 finish. However, the Cards will need to finish strong to hold off Georgia Tech for seeding in the conference tournament. One win would guarantee at least a tie, in which Louisville would hold the tiebreaker. That said, it would be nice to finish the season with a series victory over a team just hovering at .500 overall. Game two today. Let's see what happens.

Kentucky Oaks Doesn't Quite Go to Plan

Yesterday's main race got off to an inauspicious start when a couple of pinched horses ended with a jockey getting sent over the top. Fortunately, Manny Franco was able to roll out of the way as Positive Spirit tumbled down, and both were able to bolt away from the scene of the incident. Franco turned himself over to stewards willingly, while the filly was a bit harder to track down. Following the race, it was reported that Positive Spirit was unofficially medically cleared, but that more examination was to come. A preliminary positive report is much better than the alternative.

As the race thundered on, things continued to shock, as Bellafina was seemingly interested in doing anything but run for the lillies. The heavy favorite finished fifth, behind Champagne Anyone. Lady Apple showed, Liora placed, and Serengeti Empress (not Express, as a twinspires graphic showed in a postrace email) took home the prize. It was hardly what anyone expected (at least from what I could tell), but if today has anything planned for us like yesterday did, it will be an exciting day of racing.

Did You Know? 

Our fearless leader Paulie does a bit of horse handicapping? 

Check out his Derby Day selections at his personal website

LINK: PAULIE PICKS

Note:  The picks at this site and intended for entertainment purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of the Cardinal Couple crew. If you wager, do so responsibly and within your budget. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour -- Off the Air

As we alluded to last week, the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour has the week off due to Derby Festivities. As always, tune into WCHQ FM for all your local music and news.

We'll be back next week to discuss golf and softball postseason happenings.

Have a great Derby Day, wherever you are !!

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-