March 23, 2002
In the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Wildcats clawed back from a five-run deficit behind two Seth Morris home runs to defeat Mississippi State, 8-7, and clinch their first win at the newly constructed Cliff Hagan Stadium.
“In the second game, we really started off sluggish offensively again which I think was a carry over from last weekend,” Madison said. “I felt our confidence level was a bit low from a hitting standpoint, but Seth Morris’ three-run homer really sparked us. You could see the confidence level raise in the dugout. Our guys showed a lot of courage and competitiveness coming from five runs down to beat very good Mississippi State ball club.”
Frehsman lefty Craig Snipp earned his fifth start of the season and lasted 4.1 innings in a no-decision outing. Carrying a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth, Madison unleashed his offensive arsenal as Stewart singled to center and Morris cracked the first of his two homers on the day, scoring Spencer Graeter and Stewart to close the gap to two runs.Graeter picked a fine time to launch his first round-tripper of the season as the Louisville, Ky. native, hit the long ball to left, scoring shortstop Russ Rutherford and Pickrell who nailed back-to-back singles off MSU right-hander Chris Young in Cats’ half of the sixth.
Senior left-hander Bryan Felkel (2-0) relieved Rob Corrado in the seventh and chalked up his second win of the season, allowing one run on two hits and fanning four in 2.1 innings. At the plate, the Cats could not be caged, as Morris broke a 6-6 tie when he took a fastball from MSU righty Jonathan Papelbon (1-2) deep over the wall in left center, giving the Cats a lead they would not relinquish.
Kentucky and Mississippi State will play the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday, March 24. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Madison will send junior right-hander Scott Wade (3-3, 5.00 ERA, 31 K) to the mound, while MSU coach Ron Polk will challenge with junior lefty Joey Collums (1-1, 3.13 ERA, 23 K).
Game 1Mississippi State102 001 000 - 4 8 2Kentucky000 200 000 - 2 4 3Win: Maholm (4-1)Loss: Blanton (3-2)Time: 2:18Attendance: 378
Game 2Mississippi State120 021 001 – 7 13 2Kentucky000 033 11X – 8 11 3Win: Felkel (2-0)Loss: Papelbon (1-2)Time: 2,40Attendance: 378
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