In a thrilling game at Nick Denes Field, Jackson Gray slugged a game-winning grand slam, propelling No. 16 Kentucky to a 10-8 victory over Western Kentucky. The win was Kentucky’s eighth true road win of the season and improved their record to 22-3.
Gray, who transferred to UK from WKU after the 2022 season, belted a 3-2 pitch over the UK bullpen beyond the right field wall in the seventh inning. Grant Smith added a three-run shot an inning later to help outlast the Hilltoppers.
The Wildcats seemed to struggle in the early innings, falling behind 4-0 to the tenacious Hilltoppers. However, the rally arrived in the seventh when Emilien Pitre walked and scored from first after the centerfielder mishandled Hunter Gilliam’s single. An error allowed another run to score before Gray’s titanic shot.
On the mound, Seth Logue earned the win, and Zach Hise closed out the game in the ninth for his first save at UK.
Some noteworthy statistics and milestones from the game include:
- Kentucky is 29-6 over its last 35 games dating back to last season.
- UK Coach Nick Mingione, in his seventh season, now has a 198-132 career record.
- Under Coach Mingione, Kentucky is 126-38 in non-conference games and 111-16 against non-Power Five opponents.
- UK has scored in 324 of 330 games under Coach Mingione.
- First baseman Hunter Gilliam extended his hit streak to 18 games and has reached safely in all 24 games he’s played.
- Outfielder Jackson Gray went 2-for-5 against his former team, contributing four RBIs and a grand slam.
- Infielder Grant Smith has started all 141 games of his collegiate career and homered for the second time in as many games.
Looking ahead, Kentucky returns to Lexington to face No. 25 Missouri this weekend. The first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday and will be streamed on SECN+. Fans can also tune in to the UK Sports Network (630 AM WLAP, locally) for the radio call.
