UK Baseball begins SEC play with win over Mizzou

On3 imageby:Kassidy Stumbo•03/19/21•

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(UK Athletics)

Though predicted to finish near last in the SEC, the University of Kentucky Baseball team got off to a strong start to conference play on Friday with a win over the Missouri Tigers. It was the team’s first conference game in 671 days after COVID-19 ended last year’s season early.

On the mound, the Wildcats stuck with sophomore right-hander Cole Stupp. Stupp had an impressive performance in his first SEC start, recording 10 strikeouts and only allowing five hits in the first seven innings. The eighth inning brought trouble for Stupp, who was relieved by senior Daniel Harper. Harper entered the game with bases loaded but was able to settle down and escape with minimal damage. The ‘Cats went to the bottom of the eighth with a 7-1 lead.

The rest of the defense showed up as well as the ‘Cats ended with only one error.

Offensively, several Wildcats were hot. Senior TJ Collett and junior Trae Harmon each went 2-4 at the plate with 2 RBI. Oraj Anu continued his hot streak as well, going 2-3 with 2 RBI of his own.

Pitching struggles proved extremely troublesome for Missouri, giving up five walks in the bottom of the eighth inning alone. The Tigers were able to get a little offense going in the top of the ninth, loading the bases several times. However, it was too late for a comeback. The game ended 10-2.

Kentucky will look to continue their success tomorrow in the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Kentucky Proud Park.

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2024-04-18