Lexington, (Ky.) ? Casey Gilvin blasted a grand slam over the fence in right field to highlight a six-run third inning, as Kentucky defeated Air Force, 11-1, on Friday at the Service Academy Tournament in Millington, Tenn. The rally was started by J.B. Schmidt, who dropped a bunt down the third base line to reach. That was followed by a Justin Scutchfield single and a Spencer Graeter walk, setting the table for Gilvin. Jesse Barber singled in John Shelby and Mike Breyman later in the inning to give the Cats a 6-1 lead.

Kentucky starter Craig Snipp (1-1) was solid on the mound, throwing five innings and allowing one earned run on five hits while striking out five, to pick up his first win of the season. Andy Myette came on in relief to finish the game, throwing three shutout innings and allowing just three hits.

Three consecutive singles got Air Force a run in the bottom of the first, but Snipp stranded the bases loaded by striking out Karl Bolt, to escape disaster. Snipp settled in after that, retiring the Falcons in order in the second, third and fourth, with the help of two double plays along the way. Air Force loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth, but Snipp eluded danger as he retired Mike Rose on a line drive to second base.

The Wildcats added two in the sixth, taking advantage of an Air Force error. Graeter walked, Gilvin reached on the error and Stewart drove in both runners to give UK a 9-1 lead. The advantage stretched to 10-1 in the seventh as Breyman tripled and came in on a Barber sacrifice fly. UK took an 11-1 lead in the eighth when Stewart walked and came around to score on Breyman?s single.

Kentucky returns to action on Saturday when it takes on Indiana on day two of the Service Academy Classic. First pitch between the Cats and Hoosiers is set for 11 a.m. (ET) from the USA Baseball Stadium in Millington, Tenn.

— UK ?