Big Offensive Day Powers Kentucky Into Morgantown Regional Final
All nine starting Wildcats recorded a hit in Saturday's 11-8 win over West Virginia
(ABC 36 NEWS NOW via LEX NEWS) – Following a comeback victory against Wake Forest, Kentucky advanced into the winners’ bracket setting up a date with the 16th overall seed, West Virginia.
No, it’s not Groundhog’s Day. The Wildcats and Mountaineers had met four times in the past three tournaments, splitting those games two each. Saturday’s grudge match marked the third time in the last four NCAA Tournaments the two squads faced off.
Despite facing off a top ten pitching staff in the entire country, Kentucky used one of its best offensive performances of the season to best the Mountaineers 11-9.
It couldn’t have been a better start for Kentucky. The Wildcats worked the bases loaded, and then Ethan Hindle stroked a single into left center to score Jayce Tharish and Tyler Bell.
Next batter, Braxton Van Cleave took West Virginia starter Maxx Yehl 417 feet for a two-run home run to extend the Kentucky lead to 4-0. After recording just two outs, Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, was pulled from the game.
After nearly batting around in the first inning, Kentucky did even more damage in the second inning. Luke Lawrence pulled a double onto the warning track to hoist another run onto the scoreboard. Hindle would tack on another RBI as well after a fielders choice. Kentucky led 6-0 after two innings.
After nearly batting around in the first inning, Kentucky did even more damage in the second inning. Luke Lawrence pulled a double onto the warning track to hoist another run onto the scoreboard. Hindle would tack on another RBI as well after a fielders choice. Kentucky led 6-0 after two innings.
Things changed in the bottom of the eighth inning, with Lawrence and Hudson Brown both recording RBI hits to re-take the lead. Kentucky entered the ninth inning up 11-8.
Jack Bennett closed the door, and Kentucky picked up a massive victory in hostile territory. The Wildcats take on the winner between Wake Forest and West Virginia on Sunday at 5 p.m.
For more on Kentucky baseball and all of the Wildcats, join us on BBN Tonight, airing weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on the official station for UK Athletics, LEX 18.
