LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Western Michigan engaged with the No. 2 overall seed Louisville in a pitchers' duel for most of Friday night, before eventually falling 6-1 at Jim Patterson Stadium in the NCAA Regional opener.

How it happened:

Jacob Piechota got his second start in six days, coming off a dominant performance against Central Michigan last Saturday, which propelled the Broncos to the MAC Championship game. Piechota shut down Louisville through the first two innings before running into trouble in the third. The Cardinals had three of the first four men reach base with the third hit score the first run. Louisville was then successful on a double steal and scored its second run on a groundout to second.

The Cardinals put up two more in the fourth on a two-out double from Drew Ellis to left which plated two men from second and third. It was one of only two extra base hits on the night for either team.

The final tallies for the Cards came on a two-run home run from Blake Tiberi to right field making it 6-1.

Western Michigan's run in the sixth was thanks to its best hitter on the night, Drew Farmer, who went 2-for-3. He singled to left and was on second with two outs when MAC Freshman of the Year, Connor Smith singled to center and Farmer just beat the throw. Following a Grant Miller walk, putting runners on first and second, Hunter Prince came up to the plate as the tying run at the time, but grounded out to short to end the threat.

Quotes:

“We're excited to be here. Our program hasn't been represented here since 1989 and it's been a goal. The goal is not to just show up here and be satisfied. I am disappointed with the loss. I thought (Kyle) Funkhouser was good and we were able to extend his strength by chasing some pitches. I'm proud of my guys and excited to get back out tomorrow and have a chance to win.”

– Western Michigan head coach Billy Gernon

“He [Funkhouser] placed his pitches pretty well, especially on the outside of the plate. Like Coach said, we chased a little bit too much down in the zone on the off speed pitches. I think that's what hurt us.”

– Western Michigan outfielder Drew Farmer

“I was pretty pumped to get the start. Coach had enough confidence in me where he gave it to me. I went out there intending to do what I've been doing all year and do what's gotten me success and that's pounding the zone. I made some good pitches today, but I also made some pitches that could have been better. I saw some strides I made today that can carry over into tomorrow and hopefully the Super Regional.

– Western Michigan pitcher Jacob Piechota

What's Next:

Western Michigan will play an elimination game against Wright State tomorrow at noon. The Broncos will start ace LHP Keegan Akin (7-3, 1.45 ERA).