CatsIllustrated – Cats drop opener at South Carolina

Kentucky got here up brief within the first sport of an important weekend sequence at South Carolina.

The Gamecocks scored 5 runs within the second inning en path to an 11-3 win over the Wildcats, who’re preventing for his or her postseason survival down the stretch.

Coming off a sequence win over No. 1 Tennessee final weekend, Kentucky (26-22, 9-16 SEC) managed solely six hits within the loss. South Carolina’s Brett Thomas (1-0) and a pair of relievers held the Cats in verify for many of the night time, yielding single runs within the second, fourth, and ninth innings.

The Gameoccks belted three dwelling runs amongst their 13 hits, together with lengthy balls from Josiah Sightler, Andrew Eyster, and Jalen Vasquez. Additionally they acquired a 4-for-4 sport and three RBI from Michael Braswell.

Kentucky starter Austin Strickland (2-3) took the loss for the Cats, failing to make it out of the second innings. Victimized by sloppy protection, he allowed 5 runs (two earned) on 4 hits earlier than giving option to the UK bullpen.

John Thrasher homered for Kentucky, which dropped to 13-33 all-time at Founders Park in Columbia.

The sequence resumes with a Midday ET first pitch on Saturday.