Up until the decisive frame, U of L — looking to avoid an 0-2 trip at the CWS for a third time in six appearances — had trailed for the entirety of the contest. Arizona touched Cardinal starter Ethan Eberle for a pair of runs in the top of the first, and then added to their lead with a solo home run in the third inning.

Arizona starter Smith Bailey held that 3-1 lead until the seventh inning, when Louisville led off with a Garret Pike double and bunt single from Neighbors. Bailey was relieved by Garrett Hicks, who allowed a sacrifice fly by Lucas Moore.