Jake Munroe remains confident after loss to Oregon State: 'I think you'll see some of the best baseball out of us'

Louisville dropped its opening game in the 2025 Men’s College World Series Friday night 4-3 to Oregon State and is now just one loss away from elimination. Trailing 3-1 heading into the top of the ninth inning, the Cardinals plated two runs to tie the game but fell victim to a Gavin Turley walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth.

Following the loss, Louisville junior right-handed pitcher Patrick Forbes and junior third baseman Jake Munroe discussed how the Cardinals will respond in their next game.

“Like we have been, usually,” responded Forbes. “When we get a loss during the season, we usually come back with an edge. We’re definitely hungry after this win. That’s why they give you two losses. It’s not like basketball where you lose once and you’re out. That’s what makes this game great. Looking forward to how we respond.”

Forbes was strong in the loss, as he struck out 10 batters in just 5 1/3 innings. He also allowed seven hits and three earned runs. In his third season of college baseball, the Bowling Green, KY native boasts a 4.42 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings.

“It’s so what, now what?” said teammate Jake Munroe. “That’s a saying we use a lot. It’s win or go home now. I think you’ll see some of the best baseball out of us.”

Munroe was the lone Cardinal player with multiple hits, as he went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI. Louisville will now face Arizona in an elimination game on Sunday at 1:00 pm CT/2:00 pm ET. This will mark the second meeting between the two programs this season, with the first coming back on February 16. The Cards run-ruled the Wildcats 13-1 in that meeting in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown.

Louisville head coach Dan McDonnell discussed the upcoming matchup with Arizona postgame.

“It’s a whole new season,” McDonnell said. “I mean, we’ll look at our scouting report and look at that game, but, my gosh, it’s February 16th, and so it’s really a whole new game. And we’re into scouting reports. We want to be organized and we want to be prepared. But this is about us. I’ve got to make sure these guys don’t get too down on themselves.”

“And they’re competitive, and it’s going to hurt. It’s supposed to hurt. But I just gotta get them back and get them some rest. As we like to say, win the day. So I’ve got to get out there tomorrow and make sure the guys win the day and get ready for Sunday.”