3rd & Central

Louisville's WILD Super Regional Return!

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:00:09 +0000

Louisville Baseball is HEADED BACK to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2022!

In this packed episode, Matt Sefcovic and Terry Pennington break down Eberle’s dominant performance against Wright State, Coach Mac's emotional postgame moment, Miami scouting report and a Super Regional preview.

Tap in! Time to run it back to Omaha!

0:58 Recap of the Season and Super Regionals

1:30 Nashville Experience and Team Spirit

3:48 Upcoming Regional Matchups

4:42 Exciting Pairings and Predictions

13:27 Conference Records and Analysis

30:38 Aggressive Baseball Tactics

31:38 Eberle's Dominant Performance

35:07 Munroe's Resilience

36:29 Pitching Staff's Weekend Highlights

41:25 Dan McDonnell's Leadership

59:25 Super Regional Logistics

01:02:09 Miami Hurricanes Overview

01:07:34 Miami's Key Wins and Pitching Performance

01:11:20 Louisville's Strategy and Key Players

01:17:11 Miami's Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses

01:28:00 Louisville's Confidence and Preparation

01:29:33 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502 #CollegeBaseball #ACCBaseball

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The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Underrated & READY: The Cards to Take on East Tennessee State

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:18:18 +0000

Louisville Baseball is back in the NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 2 seed in the Nashville Regional hosted by No. 1 overall seed Vanderbilt. The Cardinals kick off their postseason against East Tennessee State (41-15) this Friday at 2:00 PM!

In this episode, we break down:

- Louisville's path through the Nashville Regional

- Key players to watch, including standout performances from the regular season

- Potential rematch scenarios with Vanderbilt

- Insights into ETSU's strengths and weaknesses

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

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https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Louisville Baseball STUNNED By Bellarmine

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:16:13 +0000

The Cards were so close to a series win and a sweep, but instead, Louisville Baseball dropped a frustrating pair in Atlanta and followed it with a shocking loss to Bellarmine.

Matt and Terry break down the weekend, the wake-up call against Bellarmine, and why the pitching staff’s emergence might be the biggest story no one’s talking about.

Plus: Tague Davis’ glove, Ethan Eberle’s dominance, and a deep dive into the final home series against Wake Forest, one that could define the postseason path.

3:02 – Dalton Rushing Called Up to the Dodgers!

4:42 – Resume Rundown: Quad 1 Wins, RPI, and Metrics

8:12 – This Team's Ceiling Is Still Omaha

11:42 – Georgia Tech Game 1 Recap: 13-Run Inning, Eberle Dominates

16:22 – Back-to-Back-to-Back Homers + Offensive Explosion

20:12 – Tague Davis: Defense at First Base is ELITE

26:42 – Sunday Doubleheader: Forbes Battles, But Bats Go Silent

30:57 – Tucker’s Start + Insane Mental Error on Robbed Pop-Up Run

38:32 – Eddie King Robbed on SportsCenter Top 10 Play

44:52 – Positives from the Series: Pitching Depth Emerging

48:42 – Bellarmine Breakdown: First Loss Since 1991

59:12 – Midweek Losses Happen — But Focus Was OFF

1:03:12 – Terry’s Rant: Fans Going After College Kids? Get a Life.

1:12:12 – Louisville’s Coaching + Recruiting Culture Is Elite

1:20:42 – Wake Forest Preview: Stat Twins + Big Arms Incoming

1:27:12 – Keys To The Series: Patience, Pitch Count, Bullpen Chases

1:41:12 – ACC Tournament Lookahead: Could Play Cal at 9 AM?!

1:43:12 – Where To Follow: InsideVilleBSB + 3rdCentralPod

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Hosting postseason a possibility? Georgia Tech Series Could Decide Everything

Wed, 07 May 2025 12:23:51 +0000

The pressure is on Louisville Baseball.

Matt and Terry break down the Cards’ frustrating road series loss in South Bend, what it means for their ACC Tournament seeding, and why winning in Atlanta this weekend is absolutely critical. Can Louisville fix the little things in time to become a hosting team again?

They talk bullpen standouts, Peter Michael’s quick hook, Ethan Eberle’s growth, and why Georgia Tech’s loaded offense will test everything. Plus Danny Hall’sl retirement, a key return from injury, and why this weekend could define the rest of the season.

0:14 – Welcome Back! Cinco de Mayo & Cold South Bend Vibes

1:55 – Weekend Resume Check-In: Polls, RPI Drop, and ACC Seeding

4:26 – Early Tournament Outlook

7:46 – RPI, Resume, and Hosting Possibility Breakdown

10:40 – The Numbers: What Louisville Must Do To Host

13:15 – Why The Ceiling Is Still Crazy High for This Team

16:41 – Game 1 Recap: Zion Starts Hot, Eberle Shoves, Bullpen Locks In

22:26 – Game 2: Patrick Back On The Mound, But Offense Goes Cold

24:31 – Rory Fox Dominates + Notre Dame’s Catcher Impresses

30:51 – Game 3: Peter Michael Struggles Early, Bullpen Solid Again

39:11 – Defensive & Mental Mistakes That Changed The Series

43:16 – Louisville’s Razor Thin Margin of Error in ACC Play

50:44 – Can Louisville Prove Itself On The Road at Georgia Tech?

52:48 – Georgia Tech Preview

55:03 – Spoiling Danny Hall’s Farewell Series?

56:41 – Expect Fireworks: This Series Could Get Wild

59:11 – Omaha-Level Offenses… But Who Can Pitch & Defend?

1:01:14 – Keys To Winning the Series: Walks, Wild Pitches, & Basics

1:07:15 – Wrapping Up + Final Thoughts On The Stretch Run

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Are the Cards UNSTOPPABLE Now?

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:02:25 +0000

Louisville baseball just stunned the #4 team in the country. Matt and Terry break down the Cards’ electric series win over Florida State, from Friday’s top-5 MLB Draft arm showdown to Sunday’s walk-off grand slam.

They talk Lucas Moore’s breakout, pitching depth stepping up in a huge way, and why this team is built for a deep run in June. Plus: thoughts on EKU, RPI shakeups, and a spicy Notre Dame preview.

#LouisvilleBaseball #LucasMoore #GoCards

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Can Louisville baseball shock #4 team in the nation?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 01:38:24 +0000

Louisville’s biggest test of the season is here.

Coming off a gutsy series at Clemson and a rough night in Lexington, the Cards now face #4 Florida State in what could be a make-or-break weekend. From rising freshmen to late-game heroics, this Louisville team is built for this series. Tune in for all the stats, insights and takes you can’t miss!

0:14 – “Welcome, Welcome, Welcome”: Derby Week & Gauntlet Stretch Begins

2:02 – Where Louisville Stands Now: Rankings, RPI, and Conference Record

3:38 – Clemson Game 1 Recap: Missed Chances, Tough Call on the Mound

6:25 – The Pitching Debate

8:42 – Encouragement Despite Loss: Casen Murphy’s Big Start

10:18 – Friday Game: Louisville’s Offense Goes Cold

14:16 – Saturday Thriller: Louisville Walks It Off in 12 Innings

16:55 – Tague Davis Bomb, Eddie King Jr. Heater Continues

19:45 – Justin West’s 3 Straight Strikeouts With Bases Loaded

26:15 – Why This Team's Future Looks Bright

28:30 – Injury Updates

30:45 – Kentucky Game Recap: Rough Night in Lexington

33:15 – Coach Mac’s Postgame Apology to Fans

35:50 – Fatigue and Pitching Issues

37:40 – Should Louisville & UK Play a 3-Game Series?

40:30 – Derby Week Ideas: Bellarmine Game at Slugger Field?

43:00 – Florida State Preview: Best Team in the ACC?

52:30 – Home Field Advantage: Louisville Is 22–3 at Home

56:00 – Final Rally: This Series Means Everything. Be There.

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisvi...

/ stateoflouisville

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

25 RUNS. Then An 11-1 Loss. Louisville’s Craziest Weekend Yet.

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:33:38 +0000

Your 3rd and Central crew breaks down Louisville’s wild series at NC State, including Friday’s gut-wrenching loss, Saturday’s 25-run explosion, and Sunday’s loss. Matt and Terry break down the bullpen struggles, the team’s offensive firepower, what it’ll take to bounce back at #3 Clemson, and what that epic walk-off vs. Kentucky says about this team’s DNA.

Tune in for all the stats, takes, and insights you need!

1:36 – Intro, Louisville’s Current ACC Standings & Rankings

3:22 – Rivalry Win: Walk-Off Thriller vs. Kentucky

8:57 – Why Louisville’s Lineup Is Terrifying

13:25 – NC State Game 1: Walks, Wildness & What Went Wrong

18:44 – Friday Frustration: 16 Walks & a Missed Opportunity

22:33 – Saturday: Louisville Drops 25 on NC State

26:56 – Tague Davis Grand Slam Party

31:15 – Sunday Collapse: Struggles Resurface on the Mound

36:03 – Why Road Sundays Are So Tough in the ACC

40:10 – Looking Ahead: Massive Road Test at Clemson

46:07 – What Makes Clemson Dangerous

54:24 – Coaching Message: Who Are We as a Team?

1:01:24 – Final Thoughts + Preview of What’s Next

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

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–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 3 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Jake Munroe on His Journey to Louisville Baseball

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 15:54:47 +0000

Your 3rd & Central crew sits down with Louisville baseball’s clutch hitter, Jake Munroe, to talk about his rise from an overlooked high school player to a standout in Juco, and now, a key piece of the Cardinals’ success.

Jake opens up about the grind of the recruiting process, the competitive world of Juco baseball, and why he chose Louisville.

Tune in for a conversation you don’t want to miss!

0:15 – Intro and Welcoming Jake Munroe

1:20 – High School and Juco Journey

4:25 – Playing for the Juco National Team

6:12 – What Drew Jake to Louisville

8:12 – “Damn you guys should have called me…”

10:18 – Jake’s Thoughts on NIL

16:40 – Growth on the Field

21:18 – Team Chemistry

24:27 – Jake’s Transition to Louisville

27:05 – Breakdown of a Typical Day in the Life

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Cal Series Win, ACC Standings, and Virginia Tech Recap

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 02:26:16 +0000

Your 3rd and Central crew breaks down The Cards’ series win over California, analyzing the team's performance and its implications for the ACC standings. Matt and Terry discuss the latest rankings, the tough road series against Virginia Tech, and provide an early look at the ACC tournament.

Tune in for all the stats, takes, and insights you need!

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Cards Jump in Polls After UNC Series Win + Omaha Year? | Virginia Tech Preview

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:57:22 +0000

Matt and Terry discuss Louisville's impressive rise in the rankings after a big series win over North Carolina. They dive into the team's strong 17-3 start, key wins, and the possibility of a deep postseason run.

Tune in for all the stats, takes, and insights you need!

0:13 Intro

1:13 - Louisville's Strong Start & Rankings

4:13 - RPI & Other Metrics

7:13 - Fan Attendance & Growing Excitement

9:13 - Conference Schedule Outlook

11:13 - Recap of North Carolina Series

21:13 - Pitching & Bullpen Strength

25:13 - Cancer Awareness Game & Midweek Win vs. Northern Kentucky

32:13 - Upcoming Series vs. Virginia Tech

38:13 - Final Thoughts & High School Recruiting Updates

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

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Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Forbes, Davis, and Dominance | Louisville Baseball vs. UNC Preview

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:00:30 +0000

Matt and Terry recap Louisville's impressive winning streak, highlighting key performances and the team's resilience. They discuss the dominance of Patrick Forbes on the mound, the offensive power of Tague Davis, and the depth of the Louisville lineup. They also look ahead to the start of ACC play against North Carolina and the potential challenges and excitement it brings.

Tune in for game breakdowns, player highlights, and what to expect as the Cardinals enter conference play!

0:31 - Intro, Louisville's Winning Streak

2:31 - Reflecting on Louisville's 14-2 Start

5:15 - Louisville's Resiliency and Comeback Wins

8:27 - Depth of the Louisville Lineup

11:09 - UIC Series, Patrick Forbes' Performance

12:39 - Terry on Patrick Forbes' Potential

15:15 - Tague Davis's Development

24:18 - Sunday's Game vs. UIC, Peter Michael's Performance

28:13 - Bayram Hot Hitting

33:52 - Strength and Conditioning Program

40:47 - Oakland Game Recap

44:44 - Upcoming Game Against North Carolina

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Louisville's Resilient 9-2 Start | What’s Coming in Conference Play & The Road Ahead

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:50:00 +0000

Matt and Terry break down Louisville’s strong start, key pitching performances, and how the Cards bounced back from adversity against St. John's. They highlight Patrick Forbes’ dominance on the mound, Jake Munroe’s offensive tear, and how the bullpen depth is shaping up ahead of conference play.

Tap in for game breakdowns, top moments, and what’s next for The Cards!

1:36 – Intro, Louisville’s Current Standings

2:53 – Louisville Taking Care of Business vs. Western Michigan

10:34 – Bullpen Standouts

15:11 – St. John’s Series: Louisville Battles Back After Early Deficit

19:47 – Freshman Impact: Tague’s Breakout

25:39 – Peter Michael’s Dominance

38:08 – UIC Series Preview

44:44 – Final Adjustments Before ACC Play

45:53 – Elementary School Day!

54:00 – Final Thoughts

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Louisville Baseball's Opening Weekend Part 2 | Setting the Tone for the Season

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:07:09 +0000

Matt and Terry break down the Cards' resilient response after a tough loss, the depth of the pitching staff, and why Peter Michael’s dominance on Sunday during opening weekend might make him a key part of the rotation. They also discuss key players that helped set the tone for this season, the team’s chemistry shift, and why this roster looks more balanced than past years.

Tap in for game breakdowns, top moments, and what’s next for The Cards!

0:30 – Lineup Versatility & Roster Depth

3:37 – Peter Michael’s Dominant Performance

5:45 – Zion, Picking Up Where He Left Off

8:00 – Setting the Tone for The Season

9:55 – Terry’s Opening Weekend MVP’s

12:28 – Lucas Moore & The Team’s Mindsets

13:30 – Offensive Takeaways & What Needs to Improve

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond.

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Louisville Baseball's Opening Weekend | Big Wins & Breakout Performances

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:32:44 +0000

Your 3rd & Central crew is back, breaking down Louisville Baseball’s opening weekend in Arlington. Matt and Terry recap the walk-off win over Texas, discuss the pitching depth that stood out, and highlight key performances from players like Lucas Moore, Patrick Forbes, and Peter Michael. With this squad showing maturity and resilience, is this the year Louisville returns to dominance?

Tap in for game breakdowns, top moments, and what’s next for The Cards!

0:00 – Intro & Opening Thoughts on Louisville Baseball’s Start

1:12 – Terry’s Trip to Texas; Louisville Fans Showing Up in Arlington

4:43 – Breaking Down the Walk-Off Win vs. Texas

5:50 – Patrick Forbes’ Dominant Pitching Performance – What It Means for the Rotation

8:27 – Team Chemistry & This Season’s Culture Shift

12:29 – The Tough Loss to Oklahoma State & What Louisville Can Learn From It

18:44 – Bounce-Back Win Over Arizona & Standout Performances

19:40 – Peter Michael’s Breakout Performance

23:48 – Why This Year’s Roster Feels Deeper & More Balanced

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

/ thestateoflouisville

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Louisville Baseball Roster Breakdown, 2025 Season Expectations & Key Players to Watch

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:08:25 +0000

Louisville Baseball is gearing up for a massive 2025 season, and the 3rd & Central Podcast is here to break it all down. Hosts Matt Sefcovic and Terry Pennington discuss roster changes, key transfers, breakout stars, and season expectations. Can the Cards bounce back and make a deep run in the ACC?

0:42 – Intro and shoutout to Aaron Turner

3:32 – Terry Pennington Intro

9:55 – Preseason expectation following a 2-year post-season drought

14:32 – Upcoming Texas, Oklahoma State, and Arizona matchups

16:43 – Clean, defensive baseball

27:24 – Roster breakdown

37:25 – “He's the best backside hitter we have on this team.”

44:41 – Infielders; Who we’re most excited about

47:57 – “Last year he was the most difficult player in the country to strike out.”

50:31 – Depth in Louisville’s outfield

55:12 – “They're wasting this kid's athletic talent behind the plate.”

1:08:41 – Solid, interchangeable defensive lineup

#LouisvilleBaseball #GoCards #502

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

/ thestateoflouisville

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

Push Push (F1 Coverage)

Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 1: Zion Rose

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 01:36:45 +0000

The State of Louisville Podcast Network is home to 3rd & Central Podcast, hosted by Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner and presented by Kern's Korner! Home to the best chili and patty melt in the 502. Check them out in the historic Highlands!

Matt Sefcovic of Card Chronicle and Aaron Turner return for the first part in 3rd & Central Podcast's "Offseason Diamond Dialogues." Stepping up to the plate is top returning Cardinal and USA Baseball star, Zion Rose. What has the offseason been like for him? What can you expect for him and the Louisville baseball program in 2025? Zion answers it all in his second appearance on 3rd & Central!

S4, E12: A New Day In Louisville

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:58:46 +0000

Matt & Aaron are back after an offseason break, with a BRAND NEW LOOK, to talk through all the major acquisitions of the offseason. Don't miss in-depth break downs of the portal, players headed off the the majors, and a closer look at a Card in the Pro setting the LEAGUE on fire.

Matt gets to mark off a bucket lister
Cards in the Pros..at the beginning of the pod!
T Fitz.. Welcome to the Show
A (big) big league promotion
Guys who will likely see the major league fields before the season ends
Updates on new commitments
A few dudes headed to the league
Intrigued but not sold on a few transfers
What you need out of the new arms for Louisville
Players leaving the program that will make the most impact at their new schools
Grading the staff’s performance in the portal in 2024
Reason for doubt?
Recapping the MLB Draft
A few big surprises and tidbits
Louisville to Lake Country pipeline remains strong
Impacts of new draft rules

Visit a Louisville Hidden Gem - Frankfort Avenue Liquors & Wine

Featuring a full bar with award winning mixologists along with a packaged store featuring over 600 whiskeys, some of the best local brews, and much more. Visit them today at 2115 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 - Right next to Manhattan Project or visit https://louisvilledrinks.com/

Drink Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon

Former Louisville Cardinal basketball star Russ Smith is changing the bourbon game with Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon Company. Skip the cold and hassle and have Mr & Mrs delivered to your front door! Visit https://store.mrandmrsbourbon.com/

S4, E11: The Way of Now | Offseason Recap - Transfer Portal + Deflections

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:54:54 +0000

Louisville baseball looks to bounce back after another disappointing season behind Dan McDonnell and company. What changes have to be made? What players are exiting? Who will replace them? Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner answer those + more on this weeks episode of 3rd & Central on the State of Louisville Podcast Network.

College World Series wraps up - final thoughts on the 2024 season
Comparing this years Omaha experience to others
Aaron’s take on the best way to build a roster in modern college baseball
Matt’s take on the portal
A Omaha stat that shows the importance of the portal and its impact on CBB
Where does high school recruiting fall and how will McDonnell and staff utilize it
Is the portal and NIL sustainable in college baseball?
Players who hit the portal for Louisville
Biggest surprise?
Isaac Humphrey more likely to transfer or go pro?
Losing a legacy roster member
Transfers who found the best fits
Players transferring into Louisville thus far
Biggest challenge heading into back half of the portal
One position UofL desperately has to shore up
Can Tucker Biven be the closer or is he better served as a starter?
Cards on the USA Collegiate Baseball squad

Visit a Louisville Hidden Gem - Frankfort Avenue Liquors & Wine

Drink Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon

S4, E10: It's Now Or Never | ACC Baseball Championship Preview with Micah Beutell

Mon, 20 May 2024 16:06:37 +0000

Postseason play is here for Louisville baseball. Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner break down Louisville's draw, opponents, what to watch for and much more before being joined by Micah Beutell of 5th Quarter ACC to talk best parks in the league, preview the championship bracket, and much more.

GET YOUR BROOMS!
32-22 (16-14) - 7th in ACC overall, 4th in the division
52 - RPI | 33 - SoS
Louisville lands the 7 seed in the ACC tournament
What could be holding back Louisville’s resume moving into postseason play
Numbers that support Louisville’s case
Louisville’s demeanor changing week to week - how to stay consistent moving forward
What Louisville CAN’T do in Charlotte
Taking a closer look at the ND series
Feelings on the draw of Miami and Clemson for Louisville
The absolute musts for Louisville in Charlotte
Can the pitching match the level it was at against Notre Dame?
How the schedule works in Louisville’s favor
Micah Beutell of 5th Quarter ACC joins the pod!
Thoughts on Jim Patterson Stadium
Comparing JPS to every ACC stadium after visiting them all in 2024
Micah’s thoughts on Louisville’s draw in the ACC championship
Why Micah’s not sold on Clemson
What’s more winnable - Tuesday or Friday?
Is Louisville a lock for the tournament?
Eddie King Jr. fan club resides on 3&C

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S4, E9: Getting Desperate

Thu, 16 May 2024 22:48:14 +0000

With the season rounding third, Louisville baseball isn't looking its best. Matt Sefcovic of Card Chronicle and Aaron Turner dive into the recent struggles and what the hell is next for the Cards.

Shoutout to COACH Aaron!
Updates on Louisville’s schedule and resume
A few games that cost everything
Hard to envision this is where they’d be
Can Louisville get a tournament bid
What’s the magic number for Louisville?
Uninspired baseball down the stretch
The key to turning around the pitching
Notre Dame fighting for their lives - how does it impact Louisville
Who’s more desperate this weekend
What happens if Louisville can’t pull out the series
How the double-header impacts rotations
Who are you using in game 3 of the series with ND?
Cards in the Pros update!
A couple of sad injury notes

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S4, E8: Here Come the Cardinals?

Fri, 10 May 2024 20:02:45 +0000

Louisville baseball has had plenty of ups and downs the last couple of series dropping to Clemson and Vandy while picking up a big win over BC. Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner break down the last three opponents, look ahead to the weekend, and dive into the Cards in the pros.

Updated resume for Louisville following the loss to Vandy
Louisville will officially do something they didn’t last year
Is Louisville making noise finally?
Emergence of Colton Hartman
What is the difference between being a bubble team to a dangerous 3 seed?
Who else could step into the third starting pitcher role?
Level of concern in Louisville increasing its RPI
Ceiling and floor for Louisville
Weekend preview
Cards in the pros

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S4, E7: And They Took That Personally…

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:07:20 +0000

Things are looking up at the right time for the Louisville baseball program following wins over Miami and WKU. Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner break down both sets of games, look at UofL's resume, debate their postseason chances, and preview a massive series with Clemson.

The best baseball stadiums in college, minor league, and major league baseball
24-16 (9-9)
Recapping: Miami (FL), Western Kentucky
Looking at Louisville baseball’s resume
Where Louisville baseball stacks up in the CWS conversation/bracketology
Reasons to be excited but why there’s still a lot of work to do
Why the series in Coral Gables defines who Louisville is
Identifying 3 key players for Louisville - Evan Webster, Gavin Keeling, Tucker Biven
Lineup changes during the week day rotation that paid dividends
Louisville gets HOT
Proving that it was personal for Louisville
Where Louisville’s biggest improvements need to come from
Can Patrick Forbes become a sunday guy?
Previewing a uber important weekend series with Clemson
The biggest key against Clemson’s pitching
Can Louisville pull off a series upset?
A positive for Louisville when it comes to facing Clemson
A Cards in the Pros Update
Great news on Brendan McKay

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S4, E6: Slugfest Loading | NC State & WKU Recap + Tucker Biven Interview

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:30:18 +0000

It was a HUGE weekend for the Louisville baseball followed by a disappointing mid-week let down. Matt and Aaron recap all the action and take a closer look at the Virginia series before welcoming in Louisville closer, Tucker Biven.

Brooms baby, brooms!
3-1 over the last 4
Recapping NC State and Western Kentucky
Looking closer at Louisville baseball’s resume
20-12 (6-6)
Eddie King starting to come alive
Lineup stability paying dividends
Who is proving to be the Friday night stud
Recapping a tough loss to Western Kentucky
Where there were opportunities to win
A chance for revenge
Previewing the weekend series against Virginia
Why this series is so important
Major injuries that could impact UVA
A streak Louisville will want to break
Players to know for the Cavaliers
The biggest series of the season
Cards in the Pros updates
Getting hooked on baseball Cards
Growing up a Louisville basketball fan \ thoughts on Pat Kelsey
Welcoming in Tucker Biven!
Recruitment to Louisville
Being a hooper but choosing baseball
Experiencing baseball in the DR
Have you gotten in the new barber chair?
Korbyn Dickerson’s hidden skills
Favorite role played so far as a Cardinal
Retiring the bat
Beating Josh Rogers 1-on-1
Gathering momentum from the NC State wins
Lessons learned from leads

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S4, E5: Now's the Time

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:24:20 +0000

The Cards have been busy in ACC play with mixed reviews to this point. Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner dive into all the action over the last few weeks and preview the rivalry matchup with Kentucky.

The best time of year is here
Proposing an equivalent for cutting down the nets in baseball
Records update since the last episode
Recapping the 9th straight series loss
3-8 Quad 1
3-2 Quad 2
11-1 - Quad 3 & 4
Asking too much from the pitching staff
Is Tucker Biven potentially the closer?
Why it’s not far fetched to say Louisville should’ve won all 3 against Wake
What 3 additional wins would do for the resume
Louisville hosts former conference foe, Cincinnati
Previewing a matchup with Kentucky (that we know won’t happen)
Cards in the pros update
Major League ball is BACK!

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S4, E4: Need For Quality Wins

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 23:04:50 +0000

Louisville baseball has gone 2-2 over its last four and starts a pivotal series with ACC foe, Wake Forest, and Matt Sefcovic & Aaron Turner are breaking it all down.

Louisville baseball’s best uni combos
Lack of quality wins
Friday’s highs and what it meant to get a win
What went wrong Saturday
An incredible feat that hasn’t been done in years
Sunday was no good. How VA Tech destroyed Louisville
How key contributors not being in the lineup impacted Louisville’s bats
Where lineup changes have to be made
Bigger role ahead for Liggett? Why just 1-inning?
Can Louisville get things going against
Fielding percentage and the story it tells so far
What can Louisville do to slow down Wake’s offense
The pitching staff and who takes the field

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S4, E3: Find The Power Stroke

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:41:06 +0000

Aaron & Matt are back breaking down all the action for the Louisville baseball program over the last two weeks. Get caught up on the Cards performance against some big opponents, look ahead to the ACC Schedule, and get an update on the former Louisville baseball stars in the Major and Minor Leagues.

Recap of opponents
The season is finally fun again
Momentum into the conference slate
MVPs to start the season
Dan McDonnell taking an unconventional approach with arguably his best player
Power strokes!
Pitching - who is the MVP? Biggest surprise? Things you’d change
Depth looks different this year
Eat a sandwich (or two or three), Ty
Why Ty Stark stands out to Aaron in the bullpen
High hopes for Will
Errors on errors - how to clean it up
A look around the ACC
Why is FSU not ranked?
Revisiting ideal lineups across the outfield, infield, and pitching staff
Ball park food of choice at a baseball game
Cards in the pros!

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S4, E2: Continue to Battle

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:09:21 +0000

Things were a dumpster fire until they weren't. Matt and Aaron return for a new episode talking about the disaster that was Tampa and the recent bounce back.

Aaron and Matt are both real…Big moment for the show
Inside the opening week struggles
Why this team needed time
Base running needs work. Why Dan McDonnell may take that personally
A major concern for Louisville
What it means to have a lot of open roles
Where Louisville can get power hitting
Can Louisville still be great?
How the vibes changed with the young lineup
Can the young players sustain excellence this early?
Why this team is more mature and willing to battle
Lets “beat the hell out of these teams”
Importance of next 9 games
Why rotations and lineups should be tested now versus later
Ideal guys at certain spots
How much depth Louisville has and how it helps moving forward
Zion the future
Recruiting update - Matt tries to calm the noise
Cards in the pros updates
Locker room is finally finished. What it means for the future of the program

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S4, E1: The Goal is to Dog Pile | 2024 Louisville Baseball Season Preview

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 21:09:52 +0000

2024 Louisville baseball is just days away and Matt & Aaron are previewing what lies ahead in a bounce back year for the Cards.

Baseball is FINALLY HERE!
Louisville heads south for the beginning of the season - Where and how to find those games
Best of the best on the schedule, games to note
What to make of Louisville’s low rankings and projections
Louisville’s experience and what that means; How transfers already are impacting the lineup
Position by position, players to know and what to watch
A closer look at who could make up the midweek and weekend rotations
Hot take on the closer for 2024
Which freshmen are likely to make an impact?
You recognize the name, but what about the game? Why the next Detmers could be ready to star
Other freshmen that will make the most noise
Getting the bats going - who can offer production for the Cards?
The infield’s best and how it will help Louisville win more games in 2024
How to cure the lack of home runs from 2023
Who’s the next Ben Metzinger?
Can Isaac Humphrey bounce back?
Projecting the 2024 lineups
Why Louisville has to make the tournament in 2024

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Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 5: Christian Knapczyk

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:13:32 +0000

In part 5 of 3rd & Central's Offseason Diamond Dialogues, former Louisville Cardinal infielder and current Cleveland Guardians prospect Christian Knapczyk joins Matt and Aaron to talk about life as a Card, pursuing a career in the majors, NIL, 2024 and much more.

Pre-Interview:

Looking at the 2024 Louisville baseball schedule
How important it is to get off to a strong start in Florida
What to watch for early in the season, differences from 2023 season
Non-conference strengths and weaknesses
Looking at a new foe
What the roster will look like on the mound and in the field
Where does everyone fit?
A bold ACC prediction from Aaron
Thoughts on Louisville’s 2024 team captains
Cards in the Pros updates

Interview with Christian Knapczyk

Life after Louisville
Dealing with a unique route to the start of professional baseball
The recruiting process and Louisville being a dream school
A great story about committing to Louisville twice
Getting to work and follow the older guys examples
Returning the favor to the young fellas
Remembering the first home run in 2022
Inside the mind of a great hitter
How to attack hitting
The snow game & “the best play I’ve ever made in my life”
Favorite games while at Louisville
The draft process and the eventual selection by Cleveland
The feelings of being on an official baseball card
How hard is it to sign that many cards?
What’s the process of determining the perfect signature
Benefiting from NIL.. but with a little work
Outlook on the 2024 Cards

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Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 4: Sebastian Gongora

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:54:02 +0000

In part 4 of 3rd & Central's Offseason Diamond Dialogues, new Louisville baseball pitcher Sebastian Gorgora joins Matt and Aaron to talk all things ball. From his decision to hit the portal and his recruitment, to a JUCO baseball conversation, to getting adjusted to Louisville, Sebastian details his offseason, the last few years of his baseball career at Wright State, and much more. Plus, don't miss an extended convo on facilities and the happenings around College Baseball.

Pre-Interview

Stadium upgrades update - Looks at what other programs are doing
Climate of college baseball and how it’s changing
What is a pitching lab? How will it impact winning college baseball games and recruiting?
National Signing Day update
Which incoming signee has the biggest impact right away
Who excites you?
What UofL did that’s unheard of in recruiting

Interview with Pitcher Sebastian Gongora

The moment at Wright State that sticks out the most
How did COVID impact baseball career
Going from JUCO to walk-on to Louisville
Portal experiences - DMs for days
Why Louisville
One thing that made Sebastian a perfect fit at Louisville
Playing ball in AZ
Favorite things so far about Louisville
Who has stood out this fall
Who is Sebastian Gongora as a pitcher and a player
What excited Gongora about the Cards the most in 2024
The Omaha Challenge

Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 3: Jake Gregor

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:10:07 +0000

Matt and Aaron are back for part 3 of Offseason Diamond Dialogues with Louisville baseball commit Jake Gregor. Learn more about Jake's time at St. X, what to expect at IMG Academy and why he chose the Cards and what he's looking forward to most.

Off season catch up - exhibition baseball + trip to the Dominican Republic
Impact of playing against former major leaguers
How the landscape of college baseball is changing right before our eyes; What one team is doing to shake things up.. Do you agree?
What does it mean for the future of CBB
A recruit you need to know in CBB
Does Baby Prince Fielder intrigue you?
Cards in the Pros update from Aaron

Interview w/ Jake Gregor (Louisville baseball commit)

What was it about Louisville baseball?
Hometown connection and what that means
Connecting with the rest of the class
Favorite memories of playing 3 years at St. X
Big baseball opportunity
Louisville to IMG
Closeness in the recruiting class, building strong bonds
Challenges of moving from Louisville to Florida
Weighing going to college vs. other opportunities
Get to know Jake Gregorr off the diamond
Thoughts on N.I.L and expectations on college

Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 2: JT Benson

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:25:02 +0000

In a new offseason series "Diamond Dialogues" hosts Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner sit down with a variety of Louisville baseball guests. In part 2, the guys are joined by current Louisville baseball player JT Benson. Learn more about the hometown kid, including playing multiple sports, deciding on Louisville, adjusting to playing for Dan McDonnell, turning into a veteran, and what's ahead in 2024 following a disappointing season. Plus, some insight into NIL for baseball players, what JT enjoys doing during his down time and much more.

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Offseason Diamond Dialogues, Part 1: Kade McClure

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:15:56 +0000

In a new offseason series "Diamond Dialogues" hosts Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner sit down with a variety of Louisville baseball guests. In part 1, the guys are joined by one of the best pitchers in program history - Kade McClure. From his journey to Louisville, including a near transfer story, to playing in one of the best rotations in the country, to getting drafted and climbing the ranks of professional baseball - Kade shares the details of his baseball story and has a little fun talking grilling and reality TV. You won't want to miss this!

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Getting Juiced for 2024 with top recruit Zion Rose

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:30:19 +0000

The guys are back and joined by one of the top recruits in the 2023 recruiting class, Catcher Zion Rose
Previewing the 2024 roster, why Zion decided on Louisville, what he is already learning from fellow teammates, and just how good the Cards can be this season.
Plus, we dive into who left, who is back, and who is coming in as part of a loaded freshman and transfer classes.

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S3, E8: Louisville Baseball Offseason Talk | 2023 MLB Draft, Transfer Portal, Summer Ball & More

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 21:21:14 +0000

Matt and Aaron return after a hiatus to talk through the busy activity taking place through the offseason for Dan McDonell and the Louisville baseball program. Start with a quick recap of the 2023 season and why the Cards ultimately missed toturnament play. Then, dive into the players leaving the program through the portal as well get to know the new guys coming in as well as an in-depth preview of who could be selected and where in the 2023 MLB Draft. Finally, the guys discuss the future of the program, including McDonnell's comments on facilities, and much more.

S3, E7: Welcome to the Bubble

Sat, 13 May 2023 15:30:17 +0000

Louisville baseball's slide continues and Matt/Aaron are here to talk through it all. First the guys dive into the mid-week battle with Vanderbilt, before taking a look back at how the Cards got to the point of not being involved in postseason baseball and what they have to do to get back in the thick of things. Plus, Matt and Aaron tell you where the blame on the field lies this season (it may not be the position group you're expecting) before answering questions about the roster, programs who may have an eye for Dan McDonnell, and the Cards in the pros.

S3, E6: These Games Just Mean More

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 10:44:59 +0000

Matt and Aaron are back to recap an up and down week for Louisville baseball.

Louisville coming off big win over Kentucky
Cards tournament chances looking up
Is hosting still on the table for the Cards?
Duke series extremely hard to watch
Why the data shows UofL gave Duke the recipe to be successful
Trying to find positives from Duke series
Louisville let the team down the road have it
A cool local stat
Why this win over Kentucky is significant
Taking questions from Twitter
Mass chaos right now in college baseball
What happens with Christian Knapczyk when he returns?
Cards in the Pros update
Several minor leaguers ready to make the step up
What to expect out of the Hurricanes

S3, E5: Grinding it Out; Surviving the ACC Gauntlet

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:14:50 +0000

Matt and Aaron return to discuss all things Louisville baseball in April
- College baseball is crazy right now
- Looking back at BC, Bellarmine, and Wake
- Previewing Duke and Kentucky
- Discussing new CBB rule changes
- Cards in the pros recap

S3, E4: Road Warrior Mentality | Previewing the Cards' Toughest Test Yet

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:15:33 +0000

Matt and Aaron are back to talk all things Louisville baseball, who is an outstanding 18-2
Recapping a series win against GT
Awards 20 games into the season
Carson Liggett has been unbelievable
JT Benson is a new man
What can the Cards improve going forward?
Road Warrior Mentality
Previewing Notre Dame series

S3, E3: The Bats are Hot + Previewing a Massive Weekend

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:14:36 +0000

Louisville baseball is off to a 7-1 start behind hot bats and solid pitching
- Recapping the first 8 games
- What stood out? What must be improved?
- Biggest surprise from the first two weeks?
- Previewing a major weekend in Houston against good competition
- Cards in the pros update
+ Much much more!

S3, E2: 2023 Louisville Baseball Season Preview and Predictions

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:03:09 +0000

Matt and Aaron are back for episode 2 of season 3, with an in-depth breakdown of the 2023 Louisville baseball season that you won't find anywhere else!

The guys dive into:

Scheduling, games to watch, what to know
Why being in a pre-season tournament is huge
Position-by-position analysis
Who brings the bats? Replacing majority of HR’s hit
Moves that could open up the infield for newcomers
A new two-way player to watch
Lineup projections
Opening day lineups vs. postseason lineups - what looks different?
Pitching predictions
The Italian Missile
Who steps up as the closer?
Could this team be the best team on paper in recent years?
How far can they go?
What gets Louisville to Omaha
Bold predictions for 2023

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S3, E1: See Ya at the Ballpark with Sean Moth

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:06:36 +0000

Matt and Aaron get season 3 started with a bang as the one and only Sean Moth joins the podcast to talk all things Louisville baseball. From the beginning of his journey to Louisville, Sean walks through the highlights of his career, including some of his favorite stories, players, moments, etc, and also recaps what was seen in 2022 and what you can expect in 2023 - in a way that only he can.

S2, E10: The Deepest Team Ever? with Bryan Hoeing

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:31:30 +0000

The guys are joined by MLB pitcher in the Marlins organization, Bryan Hoeing
- First, they recap the Pizza Bowl
- Why we are VERY high on Justin West & the freshmen at UofL
- Is this the deepest Louisville team ever?
Bryan Hoeing joins the pod:
- On getting his first call-up to the majors
- How analytics transformed Hoeing's game
- Crazy Wisconsin baseball games on high school fields
- How Louisville prepared Hoeing for the MLB
- Plus a comprehensive GOAT Halloween candy discussion

S2, E9: Everyone Knows When the Ville is Coming to Town featuring Jamie Tessoff of Prep Baseball Report Kentucky

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 18:59:08 +0000

Matt and Aaron are joined by Jamie Tessoff of Prep Baseball Report Kentucky to talk Louisville baseball recruiting, the talent around the state of Kentucky, the success of the Cards on the diamond, and much more. Don't miss deep dives into each of Louisville's recruiting classes (2022-2024), including what you can expect from each player, from a guy who knows the baseball recruiting scene across the state and region.

S2, E8: From Dreams to the Draft featuring Dalton Rushing

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 21:18:00 +0000

Matt and Aaron take an in-depth look at the MLB Draft which is less than a week away. They break down each prospect, including both current Cards and future Cards, where they could be drafted, which teams could target them, and what value they may provide. Then top Louisville baseball prospect Dalton Rushing joins the show to talk about the 2022 season and what's ahead for the MLB Draft.

S2, E7: The Will to Win Featuring Luke Smith

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:42:23 +0000

First, Aaron and Matt preview all the exciting things happening around Louisville baseball from the MLB Draft to recruiting to summer ball assignments. Then, Former Louisville baseball pitching great Luke Smith drops into 3rd & Central to talk with Matt and Aaron. The guys talk about Luke's days as a Cardinal, including that notorious moment against Vanderbilt & the 2020 team's biggest what if, why he got into coaching, what it's like being on the other side, and what movies you need to be watching.

S2, E6: Reset the Standard

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:20:41 +0000

** 3rd & Central is sponsored by "What's Next With Eric Wood" Podcast **

Matt and Aaron are somber yet encouraged as they recap the tough weekend that was. Listen to the guys break down both games in the Super Regional against Texas A&M, reflect back on the season, restate the commitment to baseball & the future being bright, plus what to expect this offseason with summer league ball & the MLB Draft.

S2, E5: Grass, Track, Wall

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:07:46 +0000

** 3rd & Central is presented by "What's Next With Eric Wood Podcast" **

Matt Sefcovic & Aaron Turner recap a wild opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament before previewing the Cards upcoming battle in the Super Regionals. Don't miss insight into some of the biggest decisions made over the weekend, who stood out, who needed to give more, and what you can expect from the Cards, the Aggies, and many others.

S2, E4: Postseason Baseball Returns to Louisville

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:21:40 +0000

** 3rd & Central Podcast is sponsored by "What's Next With Eric Wood" **

Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner react to a disappointing ACC Tournament for Louisville baseball, break down the Cards draw and react to postseason baseball returning to the Ville, plus a deeper look inside the rankings, numbers, seedings, pairings, bubble and much more.

S2, E3: Champs Are Here

Wed, 25 May 2022 01:48:11 +0000

**3rd & Central Podcast is presented by "What's Next With Eric Wood" Podcast**

Matt and Aaron are celebrating (not too hard) regular season championships, looking ahead to the ACC tournament, and recapping another busy couple of weeks in the pros. Don't miss a look back at the last few series of the season, what lies ahead for Louisville in the ACC Tournament, who else to watch for, as well as an in-depth review of all the minor & major league action for Cards in the pros.

S2, E2: The Bats are Nuclear

Fri, 06 May 2022 12:56:10 +0000

Matt Sefcovic and Aaron Turner are back for another episode of 3rd & Central, recapping the recent stretch of games for Louisville baseball against NC State, Clemson, Western, and Vanderbilt. The guys take a closer look at key moments and players, dive deep into the offensive statistics, look ahead to the upcoming series and Aaron provides a Cards in the pros update!

S2, E1: Making up for Lost Time with Matt and Aaron

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:30:49 +0000

A new season and new faces!
- What have we missed since last season?
- Going over college baseball's 426 rankings
- Recapping the non-conference and early conference play; The guys give quick thoughts on the important series
- Who has stood out and where Louisville can improve
- A rundown of Cards in the pros
+ Much, much more!

Episode 12 - The Revenge Tour

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:08:27 +0000

Louisville baseball is BACK! Matt McGavic of Sports Illustrated and Matt Sefcovic of Card Chronicle return to the microphones to preview the 2022 season. There's a ton to be excited about as the guys break down the new players plus the guys returning. Plus who will break through as hitters, who is the go-to pitcher, offseason changes, avoiding the 2021 slide, schedule, and so much more.

Episode 11 - 2021 MLB Draft Preview

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:33:38 +0000

It's MLB Draft week! The guys discuss Louisville baseball's top prospects in the draft, analyze how high catcher Henry Davis could go in the draft, what's to like and not like about the top Cardinals prospects, and who could be on the outside looking in.

Episode 10 - Preparing for the 2021 MLB Draft with Daylen Lyle

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:54:02 +0000

On this special episode, Matt & Matt sit down with Trinity star outfielder, Louisville signee, and MLB Draft prospect Daylen Lile. He reflects on his career with the Shamrocks, and gives some insight into the pre-draft process.

Episode 9 - Unfamiliar Territory

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 17:54:55 +0000

On this episode, the guys discuss Louisville's NCAA Tournament exclusion, give their reaction to that as well as provide their opinion on how they got there, discuss what is next for the Cardinals, briefly touch upon the MLB Draft and incoming '21 recruiting class, and the LSU chatter.

Episode 8 - Do or Die?

Mon, 24 May 2021 15:12:07 +0000

The postseason is here! On this episode, the guys take a look at Louisville's late season slide, who they will be facing in the ACC Baseball Championship, take one final look at the Cardinals' NCAA Tournament resume, and if it's good enough to go dancing.

Episode 7 - The Final Countdown

Tue, 11 May 2021 18:24:27 +0000

Matt and Matt return to recap Louisville's up and down play and take an updated look at the Cardinals tournament resume. They also preview the final two regular-season opponents and have an open discussion about what this Louisville is - and if they can go far in the postseason.

Episode 6 - The Interview with Zach Britton

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:57:18 +0000

On this episode, Matt McGavic is joined by former Louisville baseball outfielder/catcher Zach Britton, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Episode 5 - Gearing Up for the Postseason

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:48:09 +0000

On this episode, Matt and Matt take a look at Louisville's NCAA Tournament resume up to this point. They break it down, examine how the last few weeks of the regular season can shape it, the Cardinals' ACC Tournament outlook, as well as some projections.

Episode 4 - Rivalry Week and Midseason Review

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 15:28:30 +0000

Matt and Matt take a look at Louisville's upcoming Battle of the Bluegrass matchup against Kentucky. They break down the Wildcats and give their predictions for the first of two games against UK this season. The guys also hand out midseason grades to both the position players and the pitching staff and discuss what they want to see in the second half of the season.

Episode 3 - Trending In the Right Direction

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:25:11 +0000

Matt and Matt are back for episode 3 (sorry for the delay) to discuss all things Louisville baseball through the first 20 games of the season. Don't miss:
- A recap of the start of conference play
- Storylines through 20 games (improved hitting, base stealing prowess, pitching staff in flux)
- Louisville's top performers thus far
- Preview of Notre Dame and teasing other upcoming big-name opponents

Episode 2 - Gearing Up For Conference Play with Nick Bennett & Jake Snider

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:48:46 +0000

Matt and Matt recap Louisville's first two weeks of the season, discuss early storylines, and who is standing out as well as who needs to step up. The guys preview the Cards first ACC opponent, Georgia Tech before looking around the rest of the conference. Then, don't miss a sit-down with former Cards, Nick Bennett, and Jake Snider. Both detail their journeys through the minor leagues and give more insight into the 2019 College World Series team.

Episode 1 - Baseball is Back with Louisville Head Coach Dan McDonnell

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 14:58:12 +0000

The State of Louisville Podcast Network introduces 3rd & Central, a show solely dedicated to covering the University of Louisville baseball program. In episode 1 hosts Matt McGavic and Matt Sefcovic share their visions for the podcast, recap the offseason and the preseason hype and accolades for the Cards and sit down with Louisville Baseball Head Coach Dan McDonnell for an inclusive interview.