Smith Powers Duke to Thrilling 10-8 Win Over Louisville

Friday, April 3

Durham, N.C.

6 p.m.

Duke University

21-12, 7-7

Louisville

18-13, 4-7

Louisville

Duke

Smith Powers Duke to Thrilling 10-8 Win Over Louisville

4/3/2026 10:31:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

DURHAM, N.C. - In a wild back-and-forth affair, Kaden Smith was the hero for Duke baseball as the graduate tallied three go-ahead hits during the game, including a game-winning, three-run homer, in the bottom of the eighth. The home run, Smith's second of the game, pushed the Blue Devils (21-12, 7-7 ACC) in front for good, 10-8, and was the game's fourth lead change between the sixth and eighth innings. Collin Anderson also hit a key home run, in the bottom of the seventh, while Jake Lambdin and Matthew Strand each drove in a run each for Duke's offense.

On the mound, Aidan Weaver earned the start, working 5.2 innings, striking out seven and scattering four runs. Ben Dean was credited with the win, throwing two no-hit innings to finish the contest, striking out three and allowing just one base runner.

With the victory, Duke secured its second conference series win of the season and will take the field Saturday for the series finale seeking its first ACC sweep of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Duke starter Aidan Weaver worked around a two-out single in the top of the first, keeping the visitors off the board in the opening half inning. After two outs to open the home half of the first, Kaden Smith and Matthew Strand reached with singles and Jake Lambdin brought home Smith with an RBI single to left field.
The Cardinals answered right back, with an RBI single of their own in the top of the second, tying the game at 1-1.
Smith led off the bottom of the third with a home run down the left-field line, pushing the Blue Devils back in front, 2-1.
A pair of scoreless innings for both starters sent the game to the sixth inning with Duke still holding a one-run edge. The scoring picked up in the top of the sixth, with a two-run homer and an RBI infield single, giving Louisville its first lead of the game at 4-2.
The Blue Devils regained the lead in the bottom half, however, after loading the bases with two outs. Coltin Quagliano dashed home on a wild pitch and Smith followed with a two-RBI single right back up the middle, scoring Michael DiMartini and RJ Hamilton, to push Duke back in front, 5-4. Strand was up next and roped a double to right-center field, with Smith coming around from first to score and increase the home advantage to 6-4.
The lead continued to see-saw, with the Cardinals blasting a part of home runs in the top of the seventh to take back the lead at 8-6.
Collin Anderson sent the first pitch of the bottom of the seventh over the fence, cutting Duke's deficit in half to 8-7.
Ben Dean took the mound in the top of the eighth and navigated a two-out walk with a swinging strikeout to end the visitors' half.
Tyler Albright walked and Hamilton singled through the left side to start the bottom of the eighth, bringing up Smith with no outs. The designated hitter lifted the first pitch of the at-bat 416 feet to center field, giving Duke the 10-8 lead.
Dean closed out the game in the top of the ninth with a grounder, liner and strikeout, earning him the victory and securing Duke's win.

UP NEXT

Duke and Louisville (18-13, 4-7 ACC) close the series on Saturday, April 4 at Jack Coombs Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
Fans can buy tickets here and the game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.

For more information on Duke baseball, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "DukeBASE".

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