May 8, 2001
Scott Wade tossed his fourth complete game of the season and the Kentucky defense turned four double plays as the Wildcats picked up a 3-1 victory over Winthrop on Tuesday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium.
Wade, making his first mid-week start of the season, scattered 11 hits, struck out two batters, and did not issue a walk as UK improved to 21-32 on the season. The only run Wade allowed was a solo home run by Todd Leathers to lead off the ninth inning.
UK’s defense was spectacular behind the sophomore right-hander. The four double plays turned by the Wildcats established a new season-high. In addition, shortstop Vince Harrison gunned down a Winthrop player at home during an attempted double-steal.
Despite out-hitting UK 11-9, Winthrop fell to 41-12-1 on the season. The Eagles suffered their first loss to the Wildcats this season after defeating UK twice in early February during the Winthrop Classic.
UK drew first blood with two runs in the second inning. Brad Pickrell led off the inning with a walk. Caleb Brock then singled through the left side of the infield, advancing Pickrell to second. A failed pickoff attempt by WU starting pitcher Jeff Reeves allowed both Pickrell and Brock to move up one base. Austin Madison’s groundout plated Pickrell, putting the Cats up 1-0. Freshman Brent Stephens then came through with a clutch RBI double down the right field line, giving UK a 2-0 advantage.
The Wildcats added a run in the fourth. With Brock at first, Madison hit a ground ball to third base. Attempting to turn a double play, Eagle third baseman Jason Colson’s throw to second bases scooted into right-center field, allowing Brock to score all the way from first.
Wade cruised through the middle innings before Leathers connected for his 10th home run of the season to lead off the ninth, cutting UK’s lead to 3-1. With one out, Stas Swerdzewski reached on infield single, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, Wade got Bennett Stapf to ground into a 1-6-3 double play, thus ending the game.
The win was Wade’s fourth of the season. Reeves suffered the loss for WU, falling to 1-2 on the season.
Beau Moore, Brock and Madison led the Wildcats with two hits apiece. Carlos de la Rionda paced the Eagles, going 3-for-3 on the night.
UK will close out conference play when the Wildcats play host to Georgia this weekend. Friday’s series opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST
