March 17, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis dropped its second-consecutive one-run decision, 9-8, to Conference USA foe Louisville at Cardinal Stadium this afternoon. The loss is the Tigers' seventh in a row and their 11th defeat in 12 games.

Trailing 6-3, the Tigers pulled to within one on an RBI fielder's choice by sophomore second baseman Michael Lewis and a sacrafice fly by freshman shortstop Michael Lewis in the top of the sixth.

The Cardinals answered in the form of a three-run home run by right fielder Morgan Bojorquez, giving Louisville a 9-5 lead heading into the seventh.

The Tigers rallied for one run in the top of the seventh when senior designated hitter Barrett Smith doubled, advanced to third on a balk and scored in a wild pitch. Memphis added two more in the top of the ninth on and RBI single from sophomore right fielder Josh Payne and a sacrafice fly by pinch-hitter Jay Fik, but it proved too little, too late and the Cardinals escaped with a 9-8 victory.

Payne was 2-for-5 with three RBI and junior first baseman Andy Gesell was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Freshman catcher Chris Godwin doubled twice and scored a run.

Payne finished an outstading all-around week, batting .450 (9-for-20) with two doubles, a triple, a home run and seven RBI.

The Tigers are back in action on Wednesday night when they take on Vanderbilt at AutoZone Park at 7 p.m.