Duke Baseball: After big mid-week win, Blue Devils get swept on weekend

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 17: A view of an empty New York Yankees dugout during a weather delay prior to attempting to play game four of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 17, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The game was officially postponed till tomorrow due to inclement weather. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 17: A view of an empty New York Yankees dugout during a weather delay prior to attempting to play game four of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 17, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The game was officially postponed till tomorrow due to inclement weather. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The Duke Baseball team suffered a bit of a setback this weekend after a nice mid-week victory over Eastern Carolina.

It was a mid-week showdown between the Duke Blue Devils and the East Carolina Pirates.

The Blue Devils got off to an electric start in the first inning on Tuesday, posting five runs in the first inning, as Duke rolled to a 7-2 win over the Pirates.

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RJ Schreck led Duke at the plate with a team high 2 RBI as Rudy MaxwellErikson NicholsMatt MervisEthan Murray, and Kyle Gallagher all picked up RBI.

Cooper Stinson was the starting pitcher on the afternoon for the Blue Devils. Stinson pitched four and two thirds innings, surrendering two hits, four walks, and striking out two, while allowing two runs, both unearned.

Kyle Salley (1-0) came in relief of Stinson and pitched one and one third innings, striking out three and only allowing one hit.

Duke would then head into its second ACC series of the season, after taking the final two games last week against Virginia, the Louisville Cardinals would come to town.

The Cards would set the tone in the first inning on Friday night, posing three runs on Graeme Stinson (2-2) as Louisville would come away with a 8-3 win.

Stinson was only able to last four innings after surrendering six hits, four runs, and two walks.

Louisville starting pitcher, Reid Detmers (4-0), was outstanding, throwing six innings, scattering six hits and only allowing one run, while walking one and striking out nine.

Kennie Taylor led the Blue Devils at the plate on Friday night with three hits and one RBI.

Saturday afternoon was a pitchers duel, but Louisville would still find a way to set the tone, plating a run in the first inning.

The Blue Devils would respond in the bottom of the fourth, with a run of its own on an RBI from Matt Mervis, but that is all Duke would be able to push across on Saturday.

Louisville would be able to add one more run, securing a 2-1 win and a series victory.

Duke had excellent pitching performances from Bryce Jarvis from threw six and two-thirds innings, only one unearned run on three hits and three walks while fanning seven Cardinal hitters.

Hunter Davis (0-2) replaced Jarvis and finished the last two and one-third innings by allowing one run on two hits and one strikeout.

It was another amazing performance by the Louisville pitching staff, starting with Nick Bennett (4-0) with his seven innings of work, allowing just one run on six hits, one walk and four strikeouts.

Michael McAvene (1) picked up the six out save by not allowing one Blue Devils to reach base and striking out four batters.

There were runs to go around for both team on Sunday, but once again it was Louisville who struck first with a run in the first inning.

However, the Blue Devils would respond with three runs in the bottom half of the inning and then another run in the bottom of the second.

Both teams would go scoreless until the Cardinals would tie the game up at four after scoring three runs in the top of of the sixth.

Louisville would strike again for four runs in the top of the seventh, taking a 8-4 lead. The Blue Devils would try and mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but Duke fell two runs short, losing to Louisville 8-6 and getting swept for the first time this season in a weekend series.

Bill Chillari started for Duke, throwing six innings and scattering six hits, while allowing four runs, three earned, three walks and a strikeouts.

Ben Gross (2-1) was unable to record an out and was charged for three runs while giving up two hits and walking one.

The Duke Blue Devils dropped to 12-8 overall and 2-4 in ACC play, but Duke will have the chance to respond as the home stand continues on Wednesday against Campbell. The Blue Devils will then host Wake Forest for a weekend series.

Both games are scheduled to be at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.