Tyler Bosma dazzles as bats stay hot; Wildcats stave off elimination
Paired with a phenomenal performance from Tyler Bosma, the bats continued to surge as Kentucky Baseball defeated LSU 7-2 in an elimination game on Saturday at the 2022 SEC Tournament. The win moves the ‘Cats into the single-elimination semifinals, where they’ll take on No. 1 Tennessee later Saturday night.
First pitch is scheduled for approximately 30 minutes following the other semifinal matchup between Florida and Texas A&M, which starts at 6:00 p.m. EST. The winner will play in the SEC Championship game on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
Kentucky is the only team to win a series against Tennessee this season, taking two of three games earlier this month.
Bat ‘Cats take advantage of sketchy pitching from Tigers
Kentucky took another early lead in this tournament with a two-run first inning thanks in part due to the struggles of LSU’s pitchers. Jacob Hasty allowed a RBI infield single to UK’s Daniel Harris three batters in to the game.
After the hit, Hasty completely imploded on the mound. The LSU starter walked two to load the bases then launched a wild pitch that allowed Harris to come in and score. The second basemen continued his stellar tournament with a 3-5 game at the plate.
Eric Reyzelman had to enter in relief for the Tigers before the first inning was even finished. He was able to clear up the traffic in that frame, but it didn’t take long for the ‘Cats to get to the righty. Jake Plastiak launched a solo shot to lead off the second frame, his 12th of the year for Kentucky.
The Wildcats didn’t slow down either, scoring two runs a piece in the fourth and fifth inning, highlighted by a home run from Adam Fogel. Hunter Jump was also in the middle of the scoring outburst, collecting a pair of RBI on the day.
Bosma gives ‘Cats a masterpiece
Despite carrying a 5.35 ERA from the regular season heading into Saturday’s game, Bosma has shown at times that he can be an above average pitcher at this level. Undoubtably though, his start against LSU with the team still staving off the end of their regular season was the best of his quick Kentucky career.
The Miami (OH) transfer was phenomenal, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning, completely shutting down an LSU offense that beat Kentucky just a few days ago. Bosma allowed his first hit and run during the seventh inning, but the game was already out of contention at that point.
Unfortunately though, the RBI triple Bosma allowed also saw John Thrasher crash into the center field wall, forcing him to leave the game.
In all, the righty went six innings of one hit ball, allowing two runs while fanning 10 in the process in what could be his last collegiate start.
Daniel Harper highlighted the work out of the pen, giving another 2.1 fantastic innings for the Wildcats.
Kentucky lives to see another day. The team’s NCAA Tournament hopes continue to grow.
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