Relentless Wildcats Sweep Series With Offensive Onslaught

Facing an ultra scrappy opponent seeking a breakthrough win, No. 21 Kentucky’s relentless offense banged out 16 hits a series-sweeping 13-5 victory over The Citadel on Sunday at Kentucky Proud Park.

Six different Wildcats had multiple hits and Ethan Hindle closed his week the way he started it with another thunderous offensive effort that included an inside-the-park home run – UK’s second of the week. Hindle finished his week with three doubles, four home runs, nine runs and 10 RBI.

Once again, the Wildcats (14-2) had to erase a deficit even after a four-run first inning gave them a 4-0 edge. Hindle’s home run eluded a diving Matthew Lively in centerfield for three runs and put the Cats ahead for good in the fourth inning. UK added six runs over the final few innings to take any potential drama out of play.

UK now will host Ball State on Tuesday before Southeastern Conference play opens next weekend.

NOTES

• Kentucky is 14-2 on the season.
  • UK is 131-65 since the beginning of 2023.
• UK Coach Nick Mingione is in his 10th season at the helm and now owns a 306-194 career record.
  • Mingione is the second-winningest coach in school history.
  • UK is 118-45 in the month of March under Coach Mingione.
  • Mingione is 183-54 in non-conference games.
    • He is 162-25 vs. non-Power Four opponents.
  • Mingione is 158-66 at Kentucky Proud Park.
  • Mingione now is 3-0 vs. The Citadel.
  • Mingione is 26-15 vs. teams from South Carolina.
• Kentucky scored three or more runs in an inning six times in the series.
• UK scored 10 or more runs for the third straight night and fourth time in five games this week.
• UK drew five HBP and now have 51 on the season.
• The UK bullpen did not allow a run in 7.2 innings.
• IF Ethan Hindle went 2-for-4 with 4 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB and inside-the-park HR.
  • The four runs are a career high and both the hits and RBI tie career highs.
  • 15 of Hindle’s 19 hits this season have gone for extra bases.
  • This week: 9-for-17 with 9 R, 10 RBI, 3 BB, 2 HBP, SB, 3 2B and 4 HR.
• OF Jayce Tharnish had two hits, two runs, an RBI and HBP.
• OF Ryan Schwartz went 3-for-4 with 2 R, an RBI and HBP.
• IF Tyler Bell went 2-for-3 with a R, 2 RBI, BB and HBP.
• IF Caeden Cloud hit his first career home run, a two-run shot.
• RHP Jack Bennett earned the win 3.0 shutout innings in relief.

ON DECK

UK hosts Ball State on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game is on SECN+ and the contest can be heard on UK Sports Network.