March 21, 2003
Lexington, Ky. –
Kentucky (8-12, 0-4 SEC) scored 10 runs on 13 hits, but could not keep pace with the nation’s 11th-ranked Auburn Tigers (20-5, 3-1 SEC), as they fell, 14-10. The Tigers banged out 22 hits against the UK pitching staff, and scored six runs in the second inning and four more in the sixth, to win their 20th game of the season.
Both teams crossed the plate in each of their first three innings, but a six-run second for Auburn told the tale of the game. The Tigers sent 11 batters to the plate and got seven hits in the second frame to take a 7-1 lead. The lead eventually grew to 13-5 before the Bat Cats got two in the seventh and three in the eighth. First baseman Mike Breyman delivered the big blow for UK in the eighth, sending his fourth home run of the season over the wall in left field to score three runs. Spencer Graeter hit his third bomb of the year in the second inning, a two-run blast to left center. Graeter and Breyman were two of five players to record two hits for the Cats. Breyman had five RBI and scored twice. Auburn was led by Javon Moran, who went 4-for-6 with three runs and three RBI. Six other Tigers recorded multiple hits on the afternoon.
Kentucky starter Scott Wade (0-3) took the loss for the Cats. James Rodriquez threw well in relief for UK, holding the Tigers to just one run over the final 3 2/3 innings. Auburn starter Eric Brandon (2-1) threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs, two earned, on seven hits to pick up his second win of the year.
The two teams return to action in game two of the three-game weekend series on Saturday, March 22nd. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST at Cliff Hagan Stadium on the UK campus.
– UK –
