Two-Strike Hits Doom No. 4 Kentucky in 10-1 Defeat

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A day after No. 4 Kentucky got a bushel of timely hits it was Florida’s turn on Saturday delivering four two-strike extra base hits, including two home runs, to even the series with a 10-1 victory an Condron Family Ballpark.

Kentucky (36-11, 19-7 SEC) fell behind early and was unable to get the put away pitch it sought throughout as the Gators touched starter Dominic Niman for six runs in four-plus innings. Conversely, the Cats hit several balls hard right at defenders and were unable to create the traffic they normally do on the basepaths.

Pending on the Tennessee and Arkansas results later in the day, the Cats could be anywhere from tied for the conference lead to remaining up one game. Four Southeastern Conference games remain.

Florida native Devin Burkes was a bright spot for the Cats with a pair of hits, an RBI and his second baserunner caught stealing in as many attempts in the series.

Florida drew 10 walks, three hit by pitch, had a pair of RBI doubles with two strikes to go along with three home runs and added three two-strike singles.

NOTES

• Kentucky now is 36-11 in 2024, 19-7 in Southeastern Conference play.
• Kentucky is 22-8 in day games.
• Kentucky is 3-2 in May.
• Kentucky is 10-4 in SEC road games.
• Kentucky’s 15 road wins are the most in program history.
  • Its 10 SEC road wins also are the most in program history.
• Kentucky is 12-5 vs. ranked teams and 18-6 vs. Quad 1 opponents.
• Kentucky owns the most Quad 1 wins in Division I.
• UK Coach Nick Mingione is in his eighth season at the helm and now owns a 252-161 career record.
• Mingione needs six victories to become the second-winningest coach in school history.
• UK is 43-43 in the month of May under Coach Mingione.
• Mingione now is 7-14 vs. Florida.
• Wildcats from the state of Florida include: Devin Burkes, Ty Crittenberger, Austin Fawley, Colby Frieda, James McCoy and Ryan Waldschmidt.
• Kentucky has 19 SEC wins for just the third time in school history.
  • It is the second-most in school history (19, 2017).
  • The school record for SEC wins belongs to the 2006 SEC Championship squad, who finished 20-10.
• Kentucky has 98 stolen bases on the season.
• Junior INF Emilien Pitre extended his streak of games reaching base safely to 24.
• Junior C Devin Burkes went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI.
  • He has thrown out both runners attempting to steal in the series.

 ON DECK

Kentucky will face Florida at noon on Sunday in the series finale. It will be televised on the SEC Network and radio coverage will be on the UK Sports Network.