May 19, 1999

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Rodney Nye hit a three-run homer to lead top-seeded Arkansas to a 6-4 victory over No. 8 seeded Kentucky Wednesday night in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.

Nye’s home run made it 3-0 for the Razorbacks (38-19, 23-8 SEC) in the bottom of the first. Kentucky (25-31, 13-18) got an RBI double from Andy Green in the third, then pulled within 3-2 in the top of the sixth on a Jason Wolfe RBI.

Arkansas, however, put the game out of reach with a three-run sixth. Nye led off with a single, his third hit of the game, then stole second. Ryan Lundquist drew a walk and Jack Welsh was hit by a pitch to load the bases, then Scott Crossett drove in two with a single to center field. Ike Tohle’s sacrifice bunt brought in another run.

Kentucky’s Beau Moore had doubles and scored in both the seventh and ninth innings but it wasn’t enough for the Wildcats.

Arkansas’ Wes McCrotty (5-1) pitched seven innings to earn the win. Kevin Vent worked the last two innings for his third save of the season. The two held Kentucky’s top five hitters to a combined 1-for-21 in the game.

Nathan Kent (5-7) took the loss for Kentucky.

Arkansas plays No. 5 seed Auburn, which beat No. 4 LSU 6-2 Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Kentucky plays LSU at 12:30 p.m. in an elimination game.