Stanford Athletics

Nick Dugan and the Stanford Cardinal lost their opening game at the 2023 College World Series on Saturday.

The No. 8 Cardinal fell 3-2 to No. 1 Wake Forest, but they almost pulled off the upset after taking a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Demon Deacons, however, scored two late runs in the come-from-behind victory.

The Cardinal will play an elimination game against either LSU or Tennessee on Monday at 2 p.m.

Dugan, who is enjoying a big postseason with the team, pitched one inning in relief of starter Joey Dixon.

Making his CWS debut, the 2022 St. Bernard’s graduate took over in the seventh, allowing one earned run on two hits and striking out one.

The Cardinal scored two early runs and led for much of the game.

LSU and Tennessee play later on Saturday.

Monday’s game will be broadcast live on ESPN.