Syracuse blows late lead to Louisville, loses 4-2

For the fourth time since joining the conference in 2013, Syracuse (8-15, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) lost its ACC opener. Syracuse fell to Louisville (18-7, 1-0), 4-2, on Friday. The Orange held a 2-1 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Cardinals scored three runs to take the lead.

SU scored first in the third inning when Louisville redshirt senior third baseman Sidney Melton allowed a ground ball to trickle under her glove. Sophomore Gabby Teran advanced from second to score, giving Syracuse a 1-0 advantage.

The score was tied at one run a piece in the sixth inning. With runners on second and third and only one out, Louisville junior shortstop Caitlin Ferguson saw a ground ball roll between her legs. Senior Hannah Dossett stepped on home plate as SU regained its one run lead.

At that point, Alexa Romero had struck out seven batters, only allowing five hits. Then, the Orange collapsed in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Romero was able to put out two of the first three batters. The lone hit was a double from Louisville redshirt freshman Taylor Roby. After a bunt single and a walk, the Cardinals had loaded bases with two outs. On the second pitch of the at-bat to Melton, the Louisville senior crushed a double to left center. Romero could only watch as all three runners touched home base, giving the Cardinals their first lead of the day.

Syracuse faces Louisville again on Saturday at 1 p.m.