Ryan Waldschmidt could not be contained and neither could No. 2 Kentucky as it defeated Vanderbilt 10-5 at Kentucky Proud Park on Thursday as it pulled ever so close to the second Southeastern Conference regular season championship in school history. In the meantime, UK’s 21st victory in league play set a new high-water mark in school history.
The Cats (38-11, 21-7) saw their magic number dwindle to one, meaning one victory in their final two games seals at least a share of the title.
Vanderbilt made the 4,384 fans hold their breath with a home run on the first pitch of the game but UK struck for three runs of its own in the first in a quintessential Wildcats inning that featured extra base hit, bunts, sacrifices, walks and the offensive pressure it has become known for in recent years.
Two innings later, Waldschmidt belted a two-out, three-run homer off the TV tower beyond centerfield to blow the game open and chase the Commodores’ starter. Nick Lopez later added a homer and birthday boy Mitchell Daly collected his 200th career collegiate hit as part of an active evening on both sides of the ball.
On Friday, UK will honor its graduates as well as go through Senior Night ceremonies before the game.
Kentucky will host Vanderbilt on Friday night looking to clinch at least a share of the SEC championship on Senior Night. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. ET and it will be streamed on the SECN+ and radio coverage will be on the UK Sports Network.
Record Setting: No. 2 Kentucky Set School Record with 21st SEC Win – UK Athletics​
The Cats (38-11, 21-7) saw their magic number dwindle to one, meaning one victory in their final two games seals at least a share of the title.
Vanderbilt made the 4,384 fans hold their breath with a home run on the first pitch of the game but UK struck for three runs of its own in the first in a quintessential Wildcats inning that featured extra base hit, bunts, sacrifices, walks and the offensive pressure it has become known for in recent years.
Two innings later, Waldschmidt belted a two-out, three-run homer off the TV tower beyond centerfield to blow the game open and chase the Commodores’ starter. Nick Lopez later added a homer and birthday boy Mitchell Daly collected his 200th career collegiate hit as part of an active evening on both sides of the ball.
On Friday, UK will honor its graduates as well as go through Senior Night ceremonies before the game.
Kentucky will host Vanderbilt on Friday night looking to clinch at least a share of the SEC championship on Senior Night. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. ET and it will be streamed on the SECN+ and radio coverage will be on the UK Sports Network.
Record Setting: No. 2 Kentucky Set School Record with 21st SEC Win – UK Athletics​
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