2025 Texas vs Louisville

Louisville Baseball At Shriners Children's College Showdown: What To Know

Louisville Baseball At Shriners Children's College Showdown: What To Know

Louisville looks to make noise when it takes on a loaded field at the 2025 Shriners Children's College Baseball Showdown in Arlington, Texas.

Jan 17, 2025 by Kyle Kensing
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A promising Louisville team begins its pursuit of Atlantic Coast Conference contention and a spot in the NCAA Tournament in Arlington, Texas, site of the 2025 Shriners Children's College Baseball Showdown. 

The Cardinals join a field of preseason top 20-ranked competition. Indeed, all three of Louisville's opponents at Globe Life Field are ranked to begin the campaign. But that means the Cardinals have a prime opportunity to make a meaningful statement right out of the gate. 

Featuring a lineup of breakout performers, Louisville looks to start the season with a bang. Get to know more about the Cardinals and their opening weekend at the Shriners Children's College Baseball Showdown. 

Louisville Baseball Shriners Children’s College Showdown Schedule

  • vs. Arizona – Friday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. ET
  • vs. Texas – Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
  • vs. Clemson – Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Louisville Baseball Names to Know

Tucker Biven 

Tucker Biven worked primarily out of the bullpen in 2023, making four starts in 16 total appearances. He was exclusively a reliever in 2024 and performed well, striking out 40 in 35 1/3 innings pitched while maintaining a 3.82 ERA. 

Biven also made five saves coming on in relief for the Cardinals. He continued to get the ball in closing situations during his summer work in the Cape Cod League. 

Brennyn Cutts 

Right-handed starting pitcher Brennyn Cutts arrives at Louisville via Indiana State, where in 2024 he racked up a variety of individual accolades. Cutts was the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2024, posting a 7-1 record with a 3.69 ERA. He struck out 75 batters in 83 innings of work, including three games with seven fanned. 

For a team that faced some inconsistency out of its starting pitching in 2024, the addition of Cutts is a huge step forward for Louisville in 2025. His impact should be noticeable immediately with the Cardinals facing some of the nation's biggest bats at Globe Life Field. 

Patrick Forbes 

One of the most highly touted juniors in college baseball heading into this season, eyes will be firmly on potential first-round MLB draft pick Patrick Forbes throughout the 2025 campaign. Up first is the College Baseball Showdown, where this talented right-hander begins what could be a huge season. 

Forbes came out of the bullpen primarily in 2024 and posted a 3.72 ERA with an opponent batting average of .243. 

Eddie King Jr. 

Louisville's leading power hitter in 2024, Eddie King Jr. homered 14 times, slugged .664, drove in 43 runs and produced an impressive 1.073 OPS. All were team-highs. 

The outfielder returns for his senior season established as one of the best bats in the ACC. King's production makes him a cornerstone for the Cardinals offense, and a potential All-American if he delivers at a pace exceeding his already outstanding 2024 numbers. 

Lucas Moore 

Talented outfielder Lucas Moore broke out in a big way as a freshman. Moore hit .318 in 88 at-bats, drew 10 walks, and was a threat on the base paths with 17 steals in 21 attempts. Moore's steals were second on the team overall and first among returning Cardinals in 2025. 

Look for him to see more opportunity to have an impact as a sophomore. 

Zion Rose 

Louisville coaches knew they were getting a special player when Zion Rose arrived, and the multidimensional playmaker didn't disappoint. Rose was tabbed as a prospective top 150 draft pick coming out of IMG Academy, but the Chicago native instead came to Louisville. 

The decision paid dividends, as Rose proved himself an outstanding offensive weapon with his team-leading .380 batting average and 1.039 OPS. Rose slugged .584, drove in 32 runs, and was solid on the base paths with 10 steals. 

In addition to being one of the best hitting catchers in the college game, Rose is capable behind the plate. 

Louisville Baseball Shriners Children’s Classic Opponents

Arizona

Champions of the Pac-12 in 2024, Arizona's visit to the Shriners Children's College Baseball Showdown marks the beginning of a new era in the Big 12. The Wildcats lost a lot from their pitching staff, but reload in enough other areas that if the new faces on the mound get to speed, Arizona could be a College World Series in 2025. 

Louisville closes out its stint in Arlington facing the Wildcats on Feb. 16. 

Oklahoma State 

With some of the leading MLB prospects in a loaded College Baseball Showdown field, Oklahoma State presents an intriguing challenge to Louisville on Feb. 15. The Cowboys build from some of the biggest bats returning to the college ranks in 2025, including Nolan Schubart and Colin Brueggemann. 

Texas

Perennial powerhouse Texas joins the SEC in 2025, and the Longhorns get a chance to make their first statement on behalf of the loaded conference with their presence at the stacked College Baseball Showdown. Texas may be the most complete team in the field, so Louisville is diving into the deep end with its first game in Arlington. 

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