March 21, 2000
LEXINGTON, Kty. The University of Kentucky baseball team broke its two-game losing streak by scoring seven unanswered runs in the first two innings against Lee University, holding on for a 7-6 win over the Flames on Tuesday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The Cats are now unbeaten in 18 games this season against non-conference opponents.
The Wildcats (19-4, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) staked starter Scott Wade to a 5-0 lead after one inning with big hits from reserve catcher Jason Wolfe and shortstop Jeff Meade. After a hit and two walks loaded the bases, a walk to Vince Harrison pushed the first run across. One hitter later, Wolfe doubled down the left-field line to drive in a pair. Wolfe and Harrison then came around to score on Meade’s line drive single to left.
UK increased its lead to 7-0 with two runs in the second inning driven in by John Wilson and Robert Newton. After a lead-off walk to Aaron McGlone, Wilson pushed his consecutive game RBI streak to six by scorching a double down the left-field line. Wilson then increased his team-leading runs scored total to 34 when Newton went the other way with an outside pitch, dumping an RBI single in front of the LU left fielder.
After roughing up LU starter Chad Love (0-1) for seven runs (earned) on five hits and four walks in the first inning-plus of the game, the Kentucky bats went silent and claimed just two hits after the second inning. Beau Moore was the only Wildcat to collect more than one hit as the UK center fielder maintained his hot-hitting by going 2-for-4, lifting his average above .200 for the first time since Feb. 19. Lee (16-13) out-hit the Cats in the game 11-8, making UK 5-1 this season when getting out-hit by its opponent.
“I was very disappointed in the approach our guys took to the game after the second inning,” UK Coach Keith Madison said. “We played as if we expected Lee to lay down and die, but they battled hard for the entire game. Hopefully a scare like this will put us in the right frame of mind heading into Tennessee this weekend.”
Wade (5-1), scheduled to pitch three innings, was sharp as he allowed just one hit in holding the Flames scoreless. After the Flames drew within a run with six runs in the middle three innings, Jon Hooker and Mark Michael came on to hold LU scoreless over the final three innings to preserve the victory for Wade. Hooker struck out three in two innings of work, while Michael pitched a perfect ninth to gain his second career save. Wade has now won two consecutive starts after suffering his first career defeat March 11 at Alabama.
“After missing his start on Sunday with the rain-out, we needed Scott to throw a few solid innings to get back in a good rhythm,” Madison said. “With the way he pitched today I’d say he’s right there and ready for a good outing against Tennessee.”
The Wildcats return to action this weekend when they travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers for a three-game series, March 24-26.
