Kentucky, South Carolina Split Doubleheader at Kentucky Proud Park
In a busy Saturday at Kentucky Proud Park, Kentucky baseball earned a split against South Carolina, taking the first game 7-3 before dropping the second 5-4 in a tightly contested nightcap.
Game 1: Kentucky 7, South Carolina 3
Behind a strong start from Nate Harris, Kentucky jumped out early and never looked back in the opener. Harris delivered seven innings of two-run ball, scattering four hits and striking out seven to earn the win.
The Wildcats set the tone in the first inning, scoring two quick runs and forcing South Carolina to play from behind all afternoon. Carson Hansen provided the biggest swing, crushing a solo homer in the fifth to extend the lead. Hansen finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Tyler Bell chipped in a two-hit, one-RBI day as well.
Kentucky also wreaked havoc on the basepaths, stealing seven bases — with Tyler Bell, Kyuss Gargett, and Devin Burkes each swiping multiple bags.
South Carolina briefly made it interesting with a solo shot from Beau Hollins and RBI knocks from Jordan Carrion and Gavin Braland, but it wasn't enough against Kentucky’s steady bullpen. Jackson Nove and Simon Gregersen combined for the final six outs to lock down the win.
Game 2: South Carolina 5, Kentucky 4
The second game was a heartbreaker for Kentucky.
After taking an early 3-1 lead — powered by a solo homer from Bell and a two-run blast from Cole Hage — the Wildcats' offense went cold down the stretch. South Carolina took advantage, rallying with two runs in the eighth inning to flip the game.
Will Tippett delivered the biggest blow for the Gamecocks, launching a two-run homer to tie the game early, and Nathan Hall drove in what proved to be the winning runs with a clutch double.
On the mound, Kentucky’s bullpen was strong most of the way, but the offense couldn’t solve South Carolina reliever Ashton Crowther, who retired all eight batters he faced to slam the door.
Despite the split, Kentucky moves to 9-11 in SEC play and remains firmly in the thick of the conference race heading into the season's final weeks.