LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — The Michigan State Spartans erupted for two massive innings powered by multiple home runs from Parker Picot to rout the Louisville Cardinals 13-4 on Saturday afternoon and evening at Jim Patterson Stadium, sweeping the first two games of the series.

In a stunning reversal of pregame expectations, the Spartans (2-0) dismantled a Louisville (0-2) team that was projected by Interstat’s ELO system to have a 75.60 percent chance of victory. The offensive onslaught began early and was punctuated by two decisive blows from Picot.

Michigan State struck for two runs in the first inning. Nick Williams singled, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on Randy Seymour’s groundout. Ryan McKay, who had doubled, then came home on Picot’s sacrifice fly.

Louisville answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame off Spartans starter Nick Monke. After loading the bases, Luke Slanker delivered a two-run single to cut the early deficit. The Cardinals, however, would strand 11 runners on base throughout the game, squandering repeated opportunities.

The most important part of the game arrived in the fourth inning, when Michigan State broke the game open with a six-run outburst to take a commanding lead. With two on and two out, Seymour drove in a run with a single. Picot then followed by launching a grand slam to left field off reliever Will Schlageter, blowing the game open and giving the Spartans an 8-2 advantage.

Picot was not finished. In the sixth inning, with two runners on, he connected for his second home run of the game, a three-run shot to right-center field that pushed the lead to 11-3. The right fielder finished with seven RBIs, driving in more than half of Michigan State’s runs.

Seymour added a solo home run in the eighth inning for the Spartans, who collected 14 hits. McKay contributed three hits and an RBI, while Williams had two hits and scored three runs.

Louisville’s offense managed 13 hits but consistently failed in clutch situations. Slanker led the Cardinals with three RBIs, including a solo home run in the seventh inning. Dylan Hot had four of Louisville’s hits.

Monke earned the win for Michigan State, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on six hits. Five Spartans relievers combined to finish the game. Louisville starter Evan Bean took the loss, charged with three runs in 3 1/3 innings.

The victory gives Michigan State its second straight win over Louisville to open the season, following a 4-3 victory on Friday. The teams conclude the three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

Michigan State will travel to face Texas for a three-game series next weekend. Louisville will look to rebound at home against Xavier on Tuesday before heading to Arlington, Texas, for a tournament.