Kentucky baseball’s scorching 10-game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Saturday as Wofford used a monster ninth inning to secure a 12-5 victory at Kentucky Proud Park. The Wildcats (11-2) and Terriers (12-3) battled to a 4-4 tie entering the final frame, but a series of defensive miscues and timely Wofford hitting led to an eight-run outburst that put the game out of reach.
The loss snapped what had been an impressive early-season stretch for Kentucky, which had been dominant both on the mound and at the plate. However, against Wofford, the Wildcats struggled in key situations, going just 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position while the Terriers capitalized, hitting 6-for-15 in those same opportunities.
Missed Chances Haunt Wildcats
Kentucky had several opportunities to seize control of the game, none bigger than in the eighth inning when pinch runner Kyuss Gargett was tagged out attempting to score on a squeeze bunt by Devin Burkes.
A misplayed bunt to open the final frame cracked the door open, and Wofford blew it off its hinges. David Wiley delivered a clutch bases-clearing double as part of a decisive eight-run ninth inning that overwhelmed the Wildcats. Kentucky's bullpen, which had been solid throughout the season, simply couldn’t contain Wofford’s relentless attack.
Despite the loss, shortstop Tyler Bell provided a bright spot for the Wildcats, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs, including a towering three-run home run in the third inning that gave Kentucky a brief lead. Bell later tied the game in the seventh with a sacrifice fly that just missed clearing the wall for a grand slam.
Shaun Montoya continued his hot start to the season, collecting four hits and stealing two bases, but the rest of the lineup failed to capitalize in critical moments.
Starter Ben Cleaver saw his season-opening 15.1-inning scoreless streak come to an end in the third inning when Wofford plated two runs. He finished with 4.1 innings pitched, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five.
The Wildcats used six pitchers on the day, with Jackson Nove (0-1) taking the loss after allowing two runs in the ninth. Kentucky’s relievers struggled with command, issuing five walks over the final four innings, which contributed to Wofford’s late-inning explosion.
Despite the setback, Kentucky remains in a strong position early in the season. The Wildcats will look to rebound quickly as they try to win the series tomorrow at 1PM. With SEC play looming, they’ll aim to clean up the defensive mistakes and clutch-hitting woes that cost them against Wofford yesterday.
This loss serves as a reminder that no streak lasts forever, but it also presents an opportunity for Kentucky to learn and improve as they move forward in the season.