Box Score
Bryan Felkel two-hit Vanderbilt over six innings before turning the gameover to Joseph Blanton, as the University of Kentucky baseball teamdefeated the Commodores, 7-1, on Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium.
The win gave the Wildcats a 2-1 series victory over the Commodores andmarked UK’s first Southeastern Conference series win since beginningconference play with a 2-1 series win at Ole Miss (March 9-11). UK improved to 17-22, 5-13 in the SEC. With the loss, Vanderbilt fell to 18-21, 6-12 in conference play.
Felkel, who was notified that he would start the game one hour prior totaking the mound, picked up his second win of the week and third of theseason. The Cats lone left-hander allowed only two hits, one to leadoff the game, and no earned runs, while striking out three batters.
Blanton picked up his second save in a span of three games against VU,going three innings and allowing two hits while ringing up threestrikeouts. For the series, Blanton logged five innings, surrendered onlytwo hits and collected seven strikeouts.
Overshadowed by the brilliant pitching was Spencer Graeter’s performance.Graeter went 3-for-4, smacked his first home run as a Wildcat, drove inthree runs and extended his hitting streak to 11 games.
After committing an error in the top of the second inning that led to anunearned Vanderbilt run, UK’s Gordon Tyler made up for his miscue, beltinghis fourth home run of the season over the left field wall to tie the contest.
The Cats took the lead with a run in the third when Graeter doubled homeBeau Moore, who had doubled to start the inning.
Graeter’s big day continued in the fifth when he singled to right center,scoring Spencer Preston and Seth Morris. Graeter was not credited with anRBI for Morris’ run because he scored on a throwing error by theCommodores’ right fielder.
The freshman Graeter came calling again in the eighth, leading off theinning with a homer to left field. Vince Harrison followed with a doubleand advanced to third when Tyler singled up the middle. Caleb Brockcontinued the hit parade with a double to left center, plating Harrison and giving UK a 6-1 lead. Jeff Tolotti’s sacrifice fly scored Tyler, making the final tally 7-1.
UK, which hit .317 for the series, outhit the Commodores in the game 11-4.Graeter, Tyler, Preston and Moore each recorded multiple hits each.
Chris Maultsby suffered the loss for VU. Maultsby went seven innings,giving up nine hits and four earned runs. Chris Broadus was the loneCommodore to record two hits.
Brad Pickrell’s 11-game hit steak came to an end with an 0-for-4 afternoon.
The Wildcats return to action on Tuesday when they arch-rival Louisville.UK defeated the Cardinals, 8-3, on April 10 in Lexington. Game time isscheduled for 6 p.m., at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.
