Kentucky baseball entered the weekend with some absolutely great news. Tyler Bell was cleared to return after missing the first month of the season. The news only got better from there as the Cats (14-2) swept The Citadel to build massive momentum heading into SEC play.
How they did it, however, was the exact opposite of last weekend's sweep of St. John's. While that series was defined by pitching, this weekend was all about the bats.
Game 1: The comeback
In the series opener, starter Jaxon Jelkin finally fell back to earth. After three starts with a 0.55 ERA, Jelkin struggled through 5.0 innings, giving up 8 hits and 5 runs.
But the Kentucky offense had his back. After trailing 5-1, the Cats chipped away before exploding for six runs in the 7th. In his triumphant return, Tyler Bell went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run homer. Jayce Tharnish added a 2-for-4 night with three RBIs to secure the 10-5 win.
Game 2: The late-inning fireworks
Saturday saw Kentucky jump out to a 6-1 lead, only for the bullpen to falter, allowing The Citadel to take a 7-6 lead. Just like Friday, the Cats found a huge 8th inning to blow it open with six runs. Jayce Tharnish and Ethan Hindle both went yard, while Tagger Tyson delivered a clutch 2-RBI double to lead the 12-7 victory.
Game 3: The Sunday onslaught
Sunday’s finale was a shootout early. Nate Harris struggled, lasting just 1.1 innings and giving up five earned runs. Fortunately, The Citadel’s starter fared no better. Ethan Hindle was a perfect 4-for-4 with 4 RBIs, including an inside-the-park home run, his second home run in as many days. The Bat Cats used 16 hits to overpower the Bulldogs 13-5.
The takeaway: Winning in multiple says
The contrast between the last two weekends is startling:
- Vs. St. John's: Scored 9 total runs, allowed only 2.
- Vs. The Citadel: Scored 35 total runs, allowed 17.
If nothing else, it showed that these Cats can win in multiple ways, and with Tyler Bell back in the lineup, this offense is becoming a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
Up Next: A midweek clash with Ball State (Tuesday, 6:30 PM ET on SECN+) before the SEC opener at home against Alabama next weekend.