Eddie King Jr. made a pivotal contribution to Louisville’s 7-6 victory over Oregon State in the Men’s College World Series, securing the win with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning. This hard-fought game took place in Omaha, Nebraska, where the Cardinals (42-23) managed to bounce back after suffering a narrow 4-3 loss to the Beavers just days earlier.
In a thrilling finish, Louisville not only avenged their earlier defeat but also showcased their resilience. Head coach Dan McDonnell emphasized the advantages of playing at home, noting the significance of being able to walk-off with the win.
The tension built as Kellan Oakes took the mound for the Beavers, facing the top of the Cardinals’ lineup in the final inning. After walking Alex Alicea and a controversial call granting Lucas Moore first base, Louisville loaded the bases thanks to a bunting error by Oakes, which marked a challenging day for Oregon State’s defense with three errors committed.
With the bases loaded, freshman Zach Edwards entered the game to face Jake Munroe, who was unable to connect, leading to King stepping up. After compelling moments, King hit a fly ball to center field that allowed Alicea to tag up and score, eliciting jubilant celebrations from both teammates and fans alike.
Despite the tension, as Oregon State rallied late in the game to tie the score at 6-6, Louisville’s pitchers remained composed under pressure. Coach McDonnell acknowledged the skill of the Beavers but applauded his team’s will to fight back and earn the win.
Oregon State ends their season on a high note, having played independently this year due to conference realignment and achieving significant success, including five elimination game victories in earlier tournament stages. As they prepare for another independent season next year, the Beavers have a promising outlook for the future.
This victory not only propels Louisville into the next round but also continues to energize the spirit of collegiate baseball, where determination and teamwork often yield remarkable outcomes.