In game one of the series against the Missouri Tigers on Friday evening, the UK baseball team won 2-1 after the Tigers threatened in the ninth inning.

Surviving a scare, the Cats battled in the end and claimed the win.

Kentucky’s Friday night starter Sean Hjelle pitched eight innings, in which he struck out eight and allowed one run.

A walk, single, pickoff error and squeeze bunt gave the Tigers a very early lead in the first inning.

Missouri’s A.J. Sikkena allowed UK’s only runs of the night in the bottom of the fifth. Luke Heyer hit a two-run shot to right-center field that gave the Cats their first lead of the evening.

That one pitch would eventually give the Cats the win.

In the top of the ninth, the Tigers fought and Cade Bormet hit a double off the Big Blue Monster in right field. Ryan Johnson misjudged the ball and it bounced back, forcing Johnson to run for it. Bornet dove back into second base and was originally called out, but after the play was reviewed, the call was overturned.

UK’s closer Chris Machamer was forced to make another attempt at the final out and succeeded after recording a strikeout.

The series will continue on Saturday at 2:00.