Dozens Wild: Kentucky Erases Eight-Run Deficit in win

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Number 12 had the game-winning hit in a 12-12 game in the 12^th inning as Kentucky moved to 6-0 with an unbelievable 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park.
 
The Cats erased a eight-run deficit over the final nine outs and then Jase Felker scored in the 12^th inning when the Western Michigan shortstop dropped a throw from the outfield and Felker scampered home from third, setting off a wild celebration.
 
The eight-run comeback was the largest in a win and the 10^th walk-off win during coach Nick Mingione’s tenure. It is the second in the past three games.
 
Kentucky’s early-season propensity to strand opposing runners on base nearly came home to roost on Saturday as Western Michigan drew 11 walks, were hit by three pitches and reached on two errors. The Broncos hit two grand slams while piling up a 12-4 lead.
 
The Cats (6-0) started clawing back and tied the game with two outs in the ninth when Hunter Jump’s fly ball was dropped. Austin Strickland earned his second win in relief this week.
 
NOTES

• Kentucky now is 85-11 vs. non-conference non- Power Five opponents during coach Nick Mingione’s tenure.
• The UK pitchers struck out 80 in six games.
• Oraj Anu, Daniel Harris IV, Jacob Plastiak and Ryan Ritter each have a hit in every game this season.

• Senior IF Jacob Plastiak went 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, a walk and a HBP.

  • He is currently riding a career-long six-game hit streak.
• Junior IF Ryan Ritter went 3-for-6 with three runs.
  • He has reached base safely in nine straight games.
  • He has a career-long seven-game hit streak.
• R-Freshman C Devin Burkes went 1-for-2 with a walk and RBI in his first start.
  • He earned his first career hit and RBI on a perfectly placed bunt down the first base line.
  • He threw out the first steal attempt against him in his career.

• Junior IF Jase Felker had a pinch hit RBI single for his first career hit.
• Senior OF Oraj Anu went
  • He leads the team with four multi-hit games this season and 22 in his career.

• Senior RHP Daniel Harper made the 77^th appearance of his career, tying him for 8^th on the career list.
• Senior RHP Sean Harney pitched 3.1 scoreless innings.
  • He has struck out 11.25  batters per nine innings in his UK career, which ranks fifth on the all-time list for pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched.

 
ON DECK
Kentucky hosts Western Michigan on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The game will be aired on SECN+. The radio call will be on the UK Sports Network (98.5 FM).