John Thrasher Homers But Wildcats Drop Opener
COLUMBIA, S.C. – John Thrasher showed off his speed and even some power but South Carolina walloped three home runs in cozy Founders Park and took advantage of some sloppy play by Kentucky in an 11-3 victory on Friday night.
Heavy rain hit the ballpark shortly before first pitch but it didn’t slow Thrasher, who stole his 11th bag of the season. He also unloaded his second homer of the season onto the concourse over the Wildcats (26-22, 9-16) bullpen.
The Cats fell behind after a five-run second inning and continue to battle for their postseason life. Both teams face a quick turnaround for a noon ET game on Saturday on the SEC Network.
NOTES
- UK has scored in 290 of 294 games in coach Nick Mingione’s tenure.
- UK is 13-33 all-time at Founders Park.
- UK stole a base and is 65-of-72 on stolen base attempts this season.
- The UK pitchers have struck out 487 in 48 games.
- Junior INF Chase Estep has reached base safely in 45 of 48 games this season.
- Senior OF John Thrasher hit his second homer of the season.
- He stole a base and now is 11-of-13 on the season.
- He now has 80 career steals, fifth on the NCAA’s active Division I list.
- Senior IF Daniel Harris IV went 1-of-5 with a double.
- He extended his UK-long hit streak to nine games and 13 consecutive games reached base safely streak.
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Sophomore LHP Magdiel Cotto threw 2.1 scoreless innings.
- He transferred from South Carolina after last season.
ON DECK
Kentucky will have a quick turnaround and face South Carolina at noon on Saturday on the SEC Network. The radio call will be on the UK Sports Network.
