Despite setting an all-time single-game school attendance record with 5,292 fans, the Kentucky Wildcats were unable to secure a win against No. 21 Louisville in a 7-0 defeat, marking their first midweek loss in 10 outings this season.
The game was characterized by a pitchers’ duel through six innings, with the Cardinals eventually breaking through with a three-run seventh inning. Travis Smith, a Kentucky native, pitched impressively with a career-high 5.0 innings and eight strikeouts. However, a home run by Jack Payton that bounced off the centerfield fence and over onto the concourse marred his otherwise stellar performance.
Offensively, the Wildcats (30-10) hit the ball hard throughout the night, but the Cardinals’ defense managed to keep them at bay. A notable exception was Jackson Gray, who reached base safely in all four of his plate appearances (single, three walks) for the second consecutive game.
Notes:
- UK set an all-time single-game attendance record with 5,292 fans on Tuesday night.
- UK Coach Nick Mingione, in his seventh season at the helm, now owns a 206-139 career record.
- Kentucky is 128-39 in non-conference games under Coach Mingione.
- Mingione is 92-46 at Kentucky Proud Park.
- UK is 9-1 this season in midweek games.
- UK is 19-3 in non-conference games this season.
- UK is 49-51 in the month of April under Coach Mingione.
- Mingione now is 3-9 vs. Louisville.
- UK is 6-4 this season vs. ranked opponents.
Player Highlights:
- Outfielder Jackson Gray went 1-for-1 with three walks, extending his season-high nine-game hit streak.
- Outfielder Nolan McCarthy has reached safely in 19 straight games.
- Pitcher Travis Smith allowed one run in a career-high 5.0 innings, striking out a career-high eight batters and throwing a career-high 76 pitches.
On Deck: The Wildcats will face off against No. 5 Vanderbilt on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the UK Sports Network (630 AM WLAP, locally) and streamed on the SEC Network+.