Cats Cruise in Game 1, Stumble in Game 2—All Eyes on Game 3
Kentucky baseball kicked off its 2024 season in style on Saturday, delivering a dominant 11-0 shutout win over Lipscomb in Game 1 of their doubleheader. But the celebration was short-lived as the Bisons bounced back in Game 2, handing the Wildcats a frustrating 3-1 loss. With the series now tied, all eyes turn to Sunday’s rubber match in Nashville.
Game 1: Wildcats Make a Statement
It didn’t take long for Kentucky to flex its offensive muscle. Senior Cole Hage led the charge, collecting four hits—including a three-run homer—while Patrick Herrera and Luke Lawrence also drove in three runs apiece. The Wildcats broke things open with a five-run explosion in the fifth inning, putting the game out of reach.
On the mound, senior right-hander Nic McCay wasted no time making his presence known. He fired five shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four. Reliever Scott Rouse slammed the door with two scoreless frames to secure Kentucky’s first shutout in a season opener since 2006.
Game 1 Fun Facts:
🔹 Kentucky’s first season-opening shutout in 18 years
🔹 Largest season-opening win (11 runs) since 2007
🔹 First back-to-back 11+ run season openers since 1981-82
Game 2: Offense Stalls as Lipscomb Evens Series
While the Wildcats looked unstoppable in the opener, Game 2 told a different story. Lipscomb’s pitching silenced Kentucky’s bats, holding them to just three hits on the night. The Bisons did all their damage in the fourth inning, scoring three runs to take control.
Kentucky’s lone run came in the ninth inning, but the late rally fell short. Dylan Koontz was the only Wildcat with multiple hits, driving in the team’s only RBI.
Game 3: How to Watch
With the series tied 1-1, the deciding Game 3 is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT). Fans can watch the action live on ESPN+ or tune in to the UK Sports Network for radio coverage.
Will Kentucky’s bats heat up again, or will Lipscomb pull off the series upset? One thing’s for sure—the Wildcats will need to bring their A-game to finish the weekend on a high note.