March 14, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky erased a three-run deficit with six runs in the final three innings to edge Ole Miss 7-6 at Cliff Hagan Stadium in the second game of its three-game series.
“I was happy with the way our guys responded after playing poorly on Friday,” UK coach Keith Madison said. “You have to play hard all nine innings to win in this conference and our guys did that today.” UK (7-9, 2-2) trailed 4-1 after five innings thanks in part to a pair of home runs by Ole Miss second basemen Brad Henderson off UK starter Brandon Webb. Henderson hit a solo homer in the first inning and blasted a two-run shot in the third inning. Webb allowed four hits and four runs in 4.1 innings of work.
UK put together a two-out rally in the sixth inning to trim the Rebels lead to 4-3. UKis Josh Loggins singled and Jason Colemire followed with a two-run homer, his third of the season. Colemire, who went 2-for-4, extended his hitting streak to 16 games with the home run. Ole Miss (13-7, 2-3) scored two runs in the seventh on only one hit. With bases loaded, UK reliever John Hooker hit Alex Williamson with a pitch, allowing Bobby Kielty to score. Robert Shelton followed with a walk, increasing the Ole Miss lead to 6-3.
UK battled back in the seventh thanks to a leadoff double by John Wilson. Wilson advanced to third on the hit after the Ole Miss left-fielder bobbled the ball in the corner. After Justin Bunch lined out to the pitcher, Andy Bendix followed with a sacrifice fly to left field. The Wildcats took their first lead in the eighth inning. Aaron McGlone drew a one-out walk and Loggins followed with a single to center field. Colemire nailed a double off the right field wall, scoring McGlone and moving Loggins to third. Wilson, who extended his hitting streak to a career-high six games with two hits, gave UK the lead with a two-run single. Senior David Cheatle (1-0) picked up his first career victory. Cheatle, who went 1-for-4 at the plate, allowed only one hit and struck out three in 2.2 innings of relief. Ole Miss starter Jeff McAvoy allowed eight hits and six runs in 7.2 innings. Reliever Justin Huisman (1-3) picked up the loss in relief.
Loggins had three hits, extending his hitting streak to a season-high seven games. It was Logginsi fifth multiple-hit game in the past seven games. Colemire had his fourth double in as many games. The teamis will conclude their series on Sunday at 1 p.m. Josh Paxton (1-1) takes the mound for UK while Ryan Bukvich (2-0) will pitch for Ole Miss.
