Dom(inant) Niman: Transfer Leads First Shutout of Season
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Graduate transfer All-American Dominic Niman twirled five scoreless innings to set the tone in Kentucky’s 3-0 victory over USC Upstate on a windy, cold day at Harley Park. The shutout is UK’s first of the season after setting the school-record in 2023 with six.
The Cats (2-0) manufactured a run in the first inning then watched as Niman, a transfer from Central Connecticut State, mowed the Spartans down in a sensational debut inning in blue. He struck out the side on 12 pitches, eight of which were swinging strikes. He finished his day allowing just four hits and striking out six against one walk while appearing in complete control through.
Senior Ryan Hagenow pitched three one-hit innings of his own and senior closer Johnny Hummel ended it the same way the day began by striking out the side in the ninth.
Meanwhile, on a day where conditions dictated defense and pitching were at a premium, UK’s offense played its “chaos” style to perfection. The Cats stole seven bases in the game and forced four Upstate errors by pushing the envelope on the bases.
UK will try to secure a road sweep on Sunday.
NOTES
- UK Coach Nick Mingione is in his eighth season at the helm and now owns a 218-150 career record.
- Mingione needs 40 victories to become the second-winningest coach in school history.
- UK is 38-16 in the month of February under Coach Mingione.
- Mingione is 135-40 in non-conference games overall and 116-16 vs. non-Power Five opponents.
- Mingione now is 4-0 vs. USC Upstate.
- Kentucky has pitched seven shutouts the past two seasons.
- Kentucky stole seven bases in the game and are 9-of-9 in the series.
- Graduate LHP Dominic Niman was sensational in his UK debut.
- 5 innings, four hits, no runs, one walk and six strikeouts.
- Niman now has 195 career strikeouts.
- Senior RHP Ryan Hagenow allowed one hit in 3.0 innings.
- Senior RHP Johnny Hummel earned his first save of 2024.
- Junior OF Ryan Waldschmidt pinch hit in the eighth inning, just nine months removed from tearing his ACL in the Cape Cod League.
- The following Wildcats made their debut in blue: RHP Johnny Hummel and LHP Dominic Niman.
ON DECK
Kentucky will go for a season-opening sweep at USC Upstate on Sunday, February 18 at 1 p.m. The game is on ESPN+, with radio on the UK Sports Network.
