No. 18 Kentucky baseball (20-4, 4-2 SEC) soundly took care of the Murray State Racers (16-9, 3-0 MVC), winning 14-4 and securing its 20th win of the season.
Murray State entered the year coming off a 44-17 season and a trip to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College World Series.
Although both teams finished with five hits, Kentucky took advantage of Murray State’s lack of control at the plate.
The Wildcats reached base via walks 11 times and were hit by pitches five times, just four shy of tying the school record of 15 walks.
“Strike zone discipline is one of our biggest keys, and we put an emphasis on our two-strike approach… I thought the guys paid that off,” head coach Nick Mingione said.
Hudson Brown drew two walks while going 2-for-2 at the plate, continuing his hot streak and extending his hitting streak to seven games.
After hitting a couple of home runs in the opening series at Alabama, he carried that consistency into the Ole Miss series and Tuesday night’s game against Murray State.
“That’s just it — consistent. When you look up, he’s been so consistent. He’s done a great job with the strike zone and used the entire field,” Mingione said of Brown’s approach.
Brown got the Wildcats on the board early. After Murray State scored in the first inning, Brown made them pay for three straight walks with a two-run single.
He did it again in the second inning, capitalizing on more poor command with another two-run single.
The rest of Kentucky’s lineup forced Murray State to use seven different pitchers, three of whom failed to record an out.
The Wildcats also showcased their bullpen depth, using nine pitchers across seven innings.
“No, we thought we were throwing nine guys, and we threw nine,” Mingione said.
Starting pitcher Will Coleman lasted just 0.2 innings, allowing one hit, one run and committing an error before being pulled.
Ryan Mullan entered in relief and delivered a crucial strikeout of Daylan Peña to end the inning and halt the early momentum. Mullan earned his second win of the season.
Chase Alderman followed in the second inning, making his first appearance of SEC play this season.
“Yes, he had been out, but the ball was coming out good,” Mingione said. “He had some velocity. Can’t wait to watch the movement. We need him.”
After entering in the third inning, Leighton Harris allowed a run but remained composed and made a strong defensive play, throwing out Kaien Jorge at second base.
Tristan Hunter delivered a strong fourth inning, striking out the side before handing the ball to Jackson Soucie, who added two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 inning of his own.
After some trouble in the sixth, Burkley Bounds came in and limited the damage, leaving the bases loaded and continuing his strong season.
Jack Sams got the call in the seventh to close it out. Despite issuing two walks, his defense backed him up as Kentucky secured the run-rule victory.
Mingione proved his bullpen is fresh and ready as the Wildcats prepare for another tough road weekend.
Kentucky will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take on the defending national champion LSU Tigers (17-9, 2-4 SEC), with first pitch set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27.
