March 11, 1999

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats (3-8) will open the Southeastern Conference with a three-game series against the Vanderbilt Commodores (9-6) at Cliff HaganStadium in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, March 12, at 3 p.m.

UK and Vanderbilt first met in 1905, and UK leads the series 119-111.Kentucky coach Keith Madison holds a 41-36-2 record over the Commodores.Vanderbilt took two of three in last season’s series in Nashville, Tenn.,also the conference season opener.

UK had its midweek series against Eastern Michigan cancelled because ofthe recent rain and cold weather conditions in the area. Vanderbilt haslost three consecutive games, including Wednesday’s match-up against theUniversity of Alabama-Birmingham.

“After midweek cancellations, we are anxious to play baseball,” said CoachKeith Madison. “It is always exciting to get the SEC season underway. Wefeel that our team is prepared for Vanderbilt this weekend.”

Junior Nathan Kent (0-2) will take the mound for Kentucky on Friday.Junior Ben Shaffar (1-1) will start on Saturday. Shaffar leads the team instrikeouts with 32 in 23.0 innings pitched. Sophomore Brandon Webb (0-1) isscheduled to pitch in Sunday’s contest.

Juniors Aaron McGlone and Breck Price will attempt to extend their hittingstreaks during this weekend’s games. McGlone currently has a six-gamehitting streak and Price has reached base safely in the previous five games.Vanderbilt is scheduled to throw junior Mike Byrd on Friday, freshman MarkPrior on Saturday, and sophomore Andy Beal on Sunday. The Commodores areled by senior first baseman Hunter Bledsoe, coming into tomorrow’s gamewith a .571 batting average and 17 RBIs.