Walk This Way: No. 18 Kentucky Run Rules Murray State

No. 18 Kentucky produced its most patient effort at the plate in nearly a year, drawing 11 walks and four hit by pitch as it methodically marched its way to a 14-4 run-rule victory over Murray State on Tuesday at Kentucky Proud Park.

The Wildcats now are 20-4 overall and 4-2 in Southeastern Conference play.

Tyler Bell led the way with three of those walks, Hudson Brown stayed hot with four RBI in the first two innings and the outcome was never in doubt between two teams that have produced consecutive College World Series appearances.

All nine UK batters in the starting lineup scored and reached base safely and eight had RBI for the total team effort. The Cats also used nine pitchers on the night.

NOTES

• Kentucky is 20-4 on the season, 4-2 in SEC play.
  • UK is 138-66 since the beginning of 2023.
• UK Coach Nick Mingione is in his 10th season at the helm and now owns a 313-196 career record.
  • Mingione is the second-winningest coach in school history.
  • UK is 124-47 in the month of March under Coach Mingione.
  • Mingione is 185-54 in non-conference games.
    • He is 164-25 vs. non-Power Four opponents.
  • Mingione now is 7-2 vs. Murray State.
  • Mingione is 46-17 vs. teams from the state of Kentucky.
• The Cats scored three runs in the first inning, four in the second and six in the sixth.
  • They now have scored at least three runs in an inning 24 times this season.
  • This is the second straight game UK has scored six runs in an inning.
• The Cats drew 11 walks and four HBP in the game.
  • It’s the first time they have drawn 10 or more walks in a game since they had 11 against Louisville on April 22, 2025.
• IF Hudson Brown went 2-for-2 with two runs, four RBI and two walks..
  • He tied his career high – set vs. Alabama nine days ago – with four RBI.
  • He has 10 multi-hit games this season.
• IF Luke Lawrence had a hit, scored two runs and drew a walk.
  • He has reached safely in 29 consecutive games.
• OF Jayce Tharnish connected for a two-run triple.
  • He added two runs, two RBI and two walks.
• RHP Tristan Hunter struck out the side on 10 pitches in his one inning of work.
  • He has struck out 12 in 6.1 innings this season.
  • He has struck out 23 in 12.0 career innings.

ON DECK

UK heads to LSU to take on the defending national champions on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game is on SECN+ and the contest can be heard on UK Sports Network.