UK baseball finishes sweep of Alabama
to move back into first place in SEC East

A weather-altered schedule was not enough to prevent the UK baseball team from finishing a series sweep of Alabama Saturday.

Playing a doubleheader due to the threat of rain on Sunday, the Wildcats came from behind for a 7-6 win in game one and used a late offensive explosion for an 8-1 win in game two versus the Crimson Tide. The wins moved the Wildcats back into first place in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division, a half game ahead of South Carolina.

In game one, UK rallied from a four-run deficit with a five-run seventh inning to take a 6-5 lead. After allowing Alabama to tie the game with a run in the top of the eighth inning, UK used a bases-loaded walk from senior catcher Michael Williams to score a run in the bottom of the frame. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott recorded the final four outs for his third win of the season.

In game two, the Wildcats were paced by a three-hit, three-RBI performance from junior left fielder Brian Adams. Adams slugged his first home run of the season in the seventh inning and also doubled in the game. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell earned his eighth win of the season after surrendering one run on six hits in six and two-third innings while striking out seven batters and walking two.

Adams was 4-8 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored in the two games. Sophomore second baseman J. T. Riddle was 5-9 with two RBI and one run scored, and Williams was 3-8 with one home run, three RBI, three runs scored and two walks in the doubleheader. Freshman designated hitter Austin Cousino also slugged his ninth home run of the season, and senior third baseman Thomas McCarthy tallied four hits on the day.

Game one starting pitcher Jerad Grundy surrendered one run on eight hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking one before leaving after being hit in the forearm by a line drive. Freshman left-handed pitcher Sam Mahar earned his second save after surrendering two hits in two and one-third scoreless innings of relief in game two.

UK concludes its regular season schedule this week with a midweek game on Tuesday at Murray State and a three-game set beginning Thursday at Mississippi State.

Photos by Jon Hale.