The University of Louisville won their 12th straight, lead by Chris Cates's career-best five hits and Isaiah Howes's career-high five RBI as the Cardinals thumped Rutgers 13-3, advancing them to the BIG EAST Championship game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET in Bright House Networks Field. The Cards will face the winner of a match-up between St. John's and Notre Dame that will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. and the winner of the tournament will receive and automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals.

Cardinal starter Jake Smith tossed his first career complete game, scattering eight hits and six walks, while striking out one in the win. The efforts by Howes and Cates also tied BIG EAST Baseball Championship records in addition to being career-bests.

In the top of the first, Rutgers leadoff man Jeff Grose blooped an 0-2 pitch down the left field line for a double. Two outs later David Williams singled to center and the Knights third base coach sent the runner to the plate, where Grose was nailed on a one-hop laser by U of L centerfielder Pete Rodriguez to end the inning.

Louisville (31-28) carried the momentum into the bottom of the first, batting around and putting up a four-spot.

Nick Haley extended his season-high hit streak to 14 games with a double down the right field line. Cates laid down what was to be a sac bunt down the third base line, but Knights (29-28) third baseman Tim Querns tried to let it roll foul, and it hit the bag for a bunt single that put Haley at third.