Have a Ball: Kentucky Baseball Hosts Ball State

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky baseball team will look to extend its best start since the 2012 season when it opens a three-game weekend series vs. Ball State on Friday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park. The Wildcats moved to 6-0 with a pair of midweek victories over Eastern Kentucky and Evansville.
 
Friday’s first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with Saturday and Sunday each set for 1 p.m. starts. All three games are set to stream on SEC Network+ and the UK Sports Network (radio).
 
The Cats continued their hot start with a come-from-behind win over Evansville on Wednesday with freshman infielder Reuben Church delivering the game-winning, two-run double in the seventh inning. Senior right-hander Sean Harney capped an impressive bullpen performance with his third save in as many appearances and second of the week.
 
At the plate, the Cats have used a deep and experienced lineup to hound opponents. The top of the order – junior utilityman Austin Schultz, sophomore outfielder John Rhodes, senior first baseman T.J. Collett and senior outfielder Oraj Anu – has been particularly difficult to navigate for opposing pitchers.
 
On the mound, UK pitchers have struck out 66 batters and walked just 10 through six games. The bullpen has been lights out, striking out 34 in 24.1 innings while allowing just 15 hits and pitching to a 1.11 earned run average.
 
UK also is getting closer to full strength as numerous players have returned or are nearing a full return from health and safety protocols.
 
The weekend won’t be easy, as Ball State has a distinguished history under long-time coach Rich Maloney. The Cardinals (4-3) have a talented pitching staff with several professional prospects and split a season-opening series at No. 22 Arizona despite not having practiced outdoors to that point.
 
SERIES DETAILS
Friday, March 5 vs. Ball State    
     4 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
     TV: SEC Network+; Radio: UK Sports Network (98.5 FM Lexington)
 
Saturday, March 6 vs. Ball State               
     1 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
     TV: SEC Network+; Radio: UK Sports Network (98.5 FM Lexington)
 
Sunday, March 7 vs. Ball State  
     1 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
     TV: SEC Network+; Radio: UK Sports Network (98.5 FM Lexington)