March 16, 2003
Oxford, Miss. –
Kentucky (7-11, 0-3 SEC) scored five runs on 13 hits, but could not hold off Ole Miss as the Rebels (13-6, 3-0 SEC) crossed the plate three times in the bottom of the eighth en route to sweeping UK with a 7-5 victory. Kentucky starter Seth Stanley (1-2) threw seven innings, allowing six runs on seven hits. Kalen Gibson came on in relief in the eighth and gave up one run on two hits. Stephen Head delivered the big hit for the Rebels in the eighth, a two-run single to score Chad Sterbens and Seth Smith.
The Bat Cats took the lead in the top of the seventh when Mike Breyman grounded into a double play, scoring Casey Gilvin from third base to put UK ahead, 5-4.
Breyman tripled to left center field to open the top of the fifth inning and came in to score on a Caleb Stewart single back up the box, tying the game, 4-4.
The Rebels scored four times with two out in the third inning, two runs coming on the power of a Brian Pettway home run, to take a 4-1 lead. Smith dropped a bloop single into left field to drive in the first two runs for Ole Miss, scoring Jonathan Swearingen and Sterbens.
Kentucky answered back with two runs in the bottom of the fourth, getting back-to-back doubles from Russ Rutherford and Brad Pickrell to start the inning. Pickrell crossed the plate when Gilvin grounded into a fielder’s choice.
UK opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when Gilvin and Spencer Graeter started the game with consecutive singles. Gilvin advanced to third on Breyman’s fielder’s choice and scored on a sacrifice bunt from Stewart.
Gilvin led the UK offense, going 4-for-5 in the loss, scoring twice and driving in one. Graeter was 3-for-5, while Pickrell had a 3-for-4 afternoon.
Kentucky returns to action on Tuesday, March 18th, as it plays host to Marshall at Cliff Hagan Stadium. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
– UK –
