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The Kentucky baseball team was quick to score in the SEC Tournament Wednesday, scoring all of its runs in the first three innings as the Wildcats beat Florida 4-2.
The Wildcats started the game off by scoring two in the top of the first. The pair of runs were the result of a RBI double by sophomore Ka’ai Tom and a sacrifice fly by redshirt junior Thomas Bernal.
The Gators responded with a run in the second on a RBI groundout by freshman Peter Alonso, but would soon trail 4-1 after junior Max Kuhn hit a two-run bomb in the following inning.
Kuhn’s homer was the first given up by Florida starter Logan Shore this season.
The Gators were able to squeeze another run out of Kentucky’s starter, Kyle Cody, in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by junior Braden Mattson before Cody was taken out of the game.
“I thought it was a good game. Obviously Kentucky got off to a great start scoring two in the first and two in the third,” Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Bottom line was we didn’t hit well enough. Credit Kentucky’s pitchers. Kyle Cody’s fastball had life to it, and Chandler Shepherd did a nice job coming out of the bullpen. Credit Kentucky as they did a nice job on the mound tonight.”
Cody and Shepherd only gave up two runs and three walks on six hits combined, while Florida’s pitchers gave up four runs and three walks on eight hits.
Florida had some other scoring opportunities in the game but could not capitalize, especially in the eighth inning when it loaded the bases but could not score.
This afternoon, the Gators get a chance to redeem themselves against South Carolina. The game can be heard live on ESPN 850 WRUF. First pitch is set for around 2 pm. If Florida loses today, they are eliminated from the tournament.
For audio on Wednesday’s game, click the links below:
Assistant Coach Brad Weitzel
