LEPS BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL

MASSILLON, OH- Tuesday’s game saw Louisville clinch a solid 5-2 victory over Washington in a contest that had its fair share of action right from the start.

The Leopards wasted no time, with Jakeb Beard landing a hefty double in the first inning that drove in three runs, giving Louisville an early lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Later, in the third inning, Carter Deem kept the momentum going by cracking another double to push their lead to 4-1.

On the mound, Zach Root turned in a commendable performance for the Leopards. He managed to keep Washington’s hitters at bay, giving up just two hits and two runs—one of them earned—over five and a third innings. He also struck out two but had to work around four walks.

Washington’s pitcher Longwell found the going a bit tougher. He was tagged for all five runs on seven hits over his five innings of work. Despite striking out four, those runs proved too costly in the end. Blake Johnson stepped in to seal the deal for Louisville, earning the save with his effective closing stint.

Beard, besides his big hit in the first, contributed significantly by leading the team with three RBIs on the day. Deem and Cooper Rice also had a good day at the plate, each picking up two hits. Rice wasn’t just a threat with his bat; he also showed off his wheels, stealing three bases as part of Louisville’s aggressive base-running game that totaled five stolen bases.

The defensive highlight for the Leopards was a slick double play that helped snuff out a potential rally by Washington. On the other side, Polilli and Page tried to spark something for Washington, each collecting a hit, with Page driving in a run.

The two teams will square off again on Wednesday, and if this game was any indication, it’s shaping up to be another exciting matchup. The Leopards will be looking to keep their momentum, while Washington will surely be aiming to turn the tables.