Kentucky v Tennessee Baseball Game 2

(05/10/2008)

2:39

Darrell KSR:

The Cats took Game # 1 from the Vols, 5-3 Friday night in a critical three-game series being held in Knoxville. The win broke a tie with Tennessee for the 8th and final spot in the SEC baseball tournament with only five games remaining.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:39 Darrell KSR

2:42

Darrell KSR:

Today's game is moving along very swiftly. The game had a 1:00 p.m. ET start, and we are already in the 5th inning, with the Wildcats holding a 1-0 lead.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:42 Darrell KSR

2:45

Darrell KSR:

This game is important, and we've already seen signs of it. James Paxton started on the mound for the Cats, and went two full innings before getting into a little trouble in the bottom of the 3rd. After a leadoff single, Paxton committed an error placing runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out.

In came Aaron Lovett for UK, who yielded a sacrifice bunt before inducing an inning-ending double play to end the Vol threat.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:45 Darrell KSR

2:46

Darrell KSR:

The Kentucky Wildcat run was scored in the top of the 4th inning as Ryan Wilkes led off with a single, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, then to 3rd on a passed ball before eventually scoring on a double play ground ball.

We're in the top of the 5th inning with UK still holding onto the 1-0 lead.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:46 Darrell KSR

2:48

Darrell KSR:

McClendon led off the 5th with an infield single. After Frazier popped out, McClendon moved to 2nd on yet another wild pitch by the Vol pitcher. Howe was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on, and Wiley struck out.

We're holding on with Ryan Wilkes marching to the plate, two on, two out, UK up 1-0.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:48 Darrell KSR

2:50

Darrell KSR:

Tennessee pitcher Bryan Morgado strikes out Wilkes to end the inning.

Morgado has done an excellent job today, striking out 9 in 5 innings, and yielding only 3 hits, 1 run. He has walked two, hit one, and had two wild pitches. Cats have had difficulty putting a solid bat on the ball against him.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:50 Darrell KSR

2:51

Darrell KSR:

Vols will bring the 8-9-1 hitters to their half of the 5th inning, with Kentucky still leading 1-0. Aaron Lovett has gone two innings in relief, and given up only 1 hit and 1 walk.

UK 1
UT 0
Bottom 5

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:51 Darrell KSR

2:55

Darrell KSR:

Lovett mows down the Vols in the 5th, three up, three down, with two strikeouts and an infield popup.

After 5 complete innings

UK 1
UT 0

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:55 Darrell KSR

2:57

Darrell KSR:

Top of the 6th inning will bring the heart of the Wildcat bats to the plate -- the 3-4-5 hitters: Sawyer Carroll, cleanup slugger Collin Cowgill, and Brian Spear.

Saturday May 10, 2008 2:57 Darrell KSR

3:01

Darrell KSR:

Sawyer Carroll delivers a leadoff double to start the 6th inning. Cats with a runner in scoring position and nobody out, Cowgill advancing to the plate.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:01 Darrell KSR

3:03

Darrell KSR:

Carroll now at 3rd base as Cowgill hits a sacrifice fly moving him over. One down and a runner on 3rd base--when UK has struggled, it has been at moments like this, failing to punch the runner in. In a game like today's game, every run is critical.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:03 Darrell KSR

3:03

Darrell KSR:

Brian Spear to the plate. On the day, Spear is 1-2, with a single to right-center and a strikeout.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:03 Darrell KSR

3:04

Darrell KSR:

Cats lead 1-0 and threatening to make it 2-0.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:04 Darrell KSR

3:06

Darrell KSR:

BIG HIT by Brian Spear, his 2nd of the day, driving in Carroll.

Cats 2
Vols 0

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:06 Darrell KSR

3:11

Darrell KSR:

BOOM -- CATS LEAD 4-0.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:11 Darrell KSR

3:12

Darrell KSR:

The sound of that boom was a 2-run blast by third baseman Chris McClendon. After Spear's hit drove in Carroll, Chris Wade reached on a fielder's choice, forcing Spear at 2nd.

Wade moved to 2nd on a passed ball--Tennessee's 2nd of the game to match the two wild pitches--before McClendon delivered the blow over the right field fence.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:12 Darrell KSR

3:14

Darrell KSR:

Troy Frazier drew a two-out walk with the bases empty before Tyler Howe ended the inning with a groundout, but not before Kentucky struck, and struck big, scoring three critical runs to take a 4-0 lead.

Moving to the bottom of the 6th inning:

UK 4
UT 0

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:14 Darrell KSR

3:15

Darrell KSR:

Cats entered the game today one game up on the Vols in the race for the 8th and final SEC tournament slot. In SEC Baseball, only the two teams who win their respective divisions, plus the six teams with the best winning percentages, make the field of 8 in Hoover, Alabama at Regions Park.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:15 Darrell KSR

3:16

Darrell KSR:

A win today would assure the Cats of winning any tiebreaker with the Vols, as the first tiebreaker for two teams is head-to-head action. Winning today would give UK two wins over UT, with only one game remaining to play (tomorrow).

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:16 Darrell KSR

3:19

Darrell KSR:

If the SEC baseball season ended today, here are the SEC Tournament participants:

SEC Eastern Division Champ: Georgia, 17-7-1
SEC Western Division Champ: LSU, 13-11-1

Next 6 best teams (by winning percentage):

3. Vandy 15-9
4. S. Carolina 13-12
4. Florida 13-12
4. Ole Miss 13-12
4. Alabama 13-12
8. Kentucky 12-13

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:19 Darrell KSR

3:19

Darrell KSR:

On the outside, if the SEC season ended today?

9. Arkansas 11-13
10. Tennessee 11-14
11. Auburn 10-15
12. Miss. State 7-18

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:19 Darrell KSR

3:21

Darrell KSR:

And in the time it took for me to locate the standings and relay them here, Lovett again mowed down the Vol offense, 1-2-3, with two fly outs and a groundout.

Lovett has done a wonderful job in relief, throwing 4 innings of 1-hit ball.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:21 Darrell KSR

3:21

Darrell KSR:

Three innings to play, with Kentucky holding a 4-0 lead over Tennessee.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:21 Darrell KSR

3:22

Darrell KSR:

Top of the 7th inning sees a change for Tennessee, with Morgado being removed and Joey Rosas taking over in relief.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:22 Darrell KSR

3:23

Darrell KSR:

Top of the lineup for the Cats so far being handled by Rosas. Wiley struck out leading off the inning, followed by Ryan Wilkes grounding out.

And now Carroll flies out to end the inning, so a 1-2-3 inning for UK to match the Vol's.

It's 7th inning stretch time--

UK 4
UT 0

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:23 Darrell KSR

3:25

[Comment From J.R.J.R.: ]

Is Lovett still pitching?

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:25 J.R.

3:26

Darrell KSR:

Yes, Lovett is still on the hill for the Cats.

And there's a groundout to lead off the inning. That's 8 straight Vols set down by Lovett.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:26 Darrell KSR

3:26

J.R.:

Great! Keep it up.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:26 J.R.

3:27

Darrell KSR:

There's 9 straight Vols down, as an infield popup taken in foul territory by shortstop Chris Wade gives the Vols two outs in the inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:27 Darrell KSR

3:28

Darrell KSR:

And now 10 straight Vols march to the plate, and march straight back to the dugout, as Lovett enjoys another 1-2-3 inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:28 Darrell KSR

3:28

J.R.:

Still 4-0?

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:28 J.R.

3:29

Darrell KSR:

Absolutely right.

Top of the 8th inning coming up--

Kentucky 4
Tennessee 0

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:29 Darrell KSR

3:29

J.R.:

Would like to get some insurance runs this inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:29 J.R.

3:30

Darrell KSR:

We gave the SEC Tournament standings a few minutes ago -- this year the tournament will be broadcast in HD by CSS and FSN South.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:30 Darrell KSR

3:31

Darrell KSR:

Tournament will be held from Wednesday, May 21 through Sunday May 25 at Regions Park (formerly known as the Hoover Met), Hoover, Alabama.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:31 Darrell KSR

3:32

Darrell KSR:

Cowgill singles up the middle to lead off the 8th inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:32 Darrell KSR

3:33

Darrell KSR:

Wildcats with their leadoff hitter on base, and yes, J.R., it would be good to get an insurance run or twelve this inning. Let's hope that's a start.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:33 Darrell KSR

3:33

Darrell KSR:

Well, if UK is to score this inning, it won't be from Cowgill, as he is picked off 1st base, caught stealing, P-1B-SS.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:33 Darrell KSR

3:34

Darrell KSR:

Spear follows the caught stealing with a flyout for the Wildcat 2nd out of the inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:34 Darrell KSR

3:35

Darrell KSR:

Wade singles, bringing McClendon to the plate. And we all remember what McClendon did last time he faced a pitcher wearing Vol orange.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:35 Darrell KSR

3:36

Darrell KSR:

And McClendon again lifts a fly to the outfield, but this time not deep enough, and the flyout ends the inning.

Bottom of the 8th inning, with UK holding a 4-0 lead. Lovett has retired 10 straight batters--how much more does he have in him?

We'll find out as UK takes the field in a minute.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:36 Darrell KSR

3:38

J.R.:

Lovett still pitching?

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:38 J.R.

3:38

Darrell KSR:

Yes, Lovett still pitching--but there goes the 10 straight Vols retired, as the leadoff hitter reaches on a single.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:38 Darrell KSR

3:39

Darrell KSR:

That's only the 2nd Vol batter to get a hit off Lovett today through more than 5 innings of play.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:39 Darrell KSR

3:40

Darrell KSR:

After a flyout for the 1st out of the inning, Lovett balks the Vol runner to 2nd base. Vol runner in scoring position with 1 out.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:40 Darrell KSR

3:41

Darrell KSR:

Second flyout of the inning, this time to centerfielder Keenan Wiley, and Vols have 2 down, with the runner still on 2nd base.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:41 Darrell KSR

3:43

Darrell KSR:

Cats could ice an NCAA tournament bid with an appearance in the SEC Tournament, most believe, and some believe they can put it in the books even by finishing 9th due to a good RPI, and being ranked in the top 25 all year long.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:43 Darrell KSR

3:43

Darrell KSR:

UK 4
UT 0
Two outs in the Tennessee half of the 8th inning.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:43 Darrell KSR

3:43

[Comment From KSRDanKSRDan: ]

3rd out for UT. Going to the top of the 9th, still 4-0.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:43 KSRDan

3:44

Darrell KSR:

Nice job by Aaron Lovett today. Nice is much too mild of a word, hey Dan?

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:44 Darrell KSR

3:44

Darrell KSR:

Lovett's line:
6 innings
0 runs, 0 earned
2 hits
1 walk
2 strikeouts

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:44 Darrell KSR

3:45

KSRDan:

Agreed completely. I don't know if they will let him finish the game or not as Green is warm and it seems like the coaches want him to close out close games.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:45 KSRDan

3:46

Darrell KSR:

He had retired 10 straight batters coming into that inning, but wobbled a bit. I think it would be wise to get him out and a fresh live arm in.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:46 Darrell KSR

3:47

Darrell KSR:

Cats will send 8-9-1 to the plate in the 9th inning. Traditionally not a strong opportunity to add more runs, but we'll take 'em if we can get 'em.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:47 Darrell KSR

3:47

KSRDan:

Agreed. In his last 3 appearances, iirc Green has faced 4 batters and all of them wound up as KOs

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:47 KSRDan

3:47

Darrell KSR:

Hard to beat that.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:47 Darrell KSR

3:48

Darrell KSR:

Frazier has an infield pop-up for the first UK out.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:48 Darrell KSR

3:48

KSRDan:

Howe for the round tripper and the game is now 5-0

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:48 KSRDan

3:48

Darrell KSR:

BOOM.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:48 Darrell KSR

3:48

Darrell KSR:

So much for the # 9 hitter not contributing, eh?

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:48 Darrell KSR

3:48

KSRDan:

Hehehe

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:48 KSRDan

3:49

Darrell KSR:

Hey, I'll gladly put my foot in my mouth if the Wildcats take advantage of it like that.

Big run for Kentucky.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:49 Darrell KSR

3:49

KSRDan:

Wylie flies out to short center. 1 out left

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:49 KSRDan

3:49

Darrell KSR:

There's something about a 5-run lead that feels much better than a 4-run lead.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:49 Darrell KSR

3:50

KSRDan:

Oh yeah. The grand slam still can't get the win for the other team

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:50 KSRDan

3:51

KSRDan:

On the #9 hitter. UK likes to put a good batter in the 8 or 9 slot as the DH.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:51 KSRDan

3:51

Darrell KSR:

Just a reminder how jammed up we are in the SEC standings for the 8 SEC tournament bids. Going into today--

4. S. Carolina 13-12
4. Florida 13-12
4. Ole Miss 13-12
4. Alabama 13-12
8. Kentucky 12-13
9. Arkansas 11-13
10. Tennessee 11-14
11. Auburn 10-15

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:51 Darrell KSR

3:52

KSRDan:

Cats go 3 and out. 3 outs left for UT to make some noise.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:52 KSRDan

3:52

Darrell KSR:

True, Dan--we've seen Keenan Wiley occupy that slot, and today he's the leadoff man.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:52 Darrell KSR

3:53

Darrell KSR:

Shh......quiet, Dan. Nobody wake them.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:53 Darrell KSR

3:53

KSRDan:

Game time tomorrow is 2:00 pm edt.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:53 KSRDan

3:54

Darrell KSR:

If the Cats can hold on, this will be the Vol's 7th consecutive loss.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:54 Darrell KSR

3:54

KSRDan:

Ground out for one down.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:54 KSRDan

3:54

KSRDan:

7 losses in a row is a sweet thing when it applies to UT.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:54 KSRDan

3:54

Darrell KSR:

And Aaron Lovett still mowing them down. I suspect he'll have a short leash this inning, however, if he gets in trouble.

6-1/3 innings in the books for Lovett with only 2 hits.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:54 Darrell KSR

3:55

Darrell KSR:

And there's out # 2.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:55 Darrell KSR

3:55

Darrell KSR:

Strikeout by Lovett and he's threatening to completely shut down the Vols from the 3rd inning on.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:55 Darrell KSR

3:56

KSRDan:

KO. 2nd of the game for him and only the 3rd of the game by UK.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:56 KSRDan

3:56

KSRDan:

Dinger for Brown and UK leads 5-1

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:56 KSRDan

3:57

Darrell KSR:

That's why you call them "insurance" runs.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:57 Darrell KSR

3:57

Darrell KSR:

Shame the shutout is gone, but the main thing is preserving the victory.

Two down, need to nail down the final one.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:57 Darrell KSR

3:57

Darrell KSR:

OuCH

5-2.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:57 Darrell KSR

3:57

KSRDan:

Dinger for Lockwood 5-2

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:57 KSRDan

3:58

KSRDan:

Time for Green to come in for the last out

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:58 KSRDan

3:58

Darrell KSR:

Two straight homers by Tennessee.

Uhh...need I say it again?

a) That's why you call them "insurance runs," and
b) Time for Green

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:58 Darrell KSR

3:58

Darrell KSR:

I thought the first round-tripper might get Lovett the hook.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:58 Darrell KSR

3:58

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Great effort by Lovett.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:58 Kyle

3:59

Darrell KSR:

Indeed, it was a great effort. Superman job.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:59 Darrell KSR

3:59

Darrell KSR:

And as Dan had predicted, Scott Green to face the final Vol (we hope) in replacement of Lovett.

Saturday May 10, 2008 3:59 Darrell KSR

4:00

Darrell KSR:

Cats lead 5-2.
Two outs, bottom of the 9th, nobody on.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:00 Darrell KSR

4:00

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

damn just got in from work. cmon CATS beat the crappy orange!

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:00 Guest

4:01

Darrell KSR:

Coming in with nobody out in the 3rd inning and taking the Cats to 2 outs in the 9th was a fantastic job by Lovett.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:01 Darrell KSR

4:01

Darrell KSR:

Pedro, is that you? You normally go by your pseudonym "Guest"

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:01 Darrell KSR

4:01

KSRDan:

One pitch and done for the save.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:01 KSRDan

4:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

how have we scored our runs?

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:01 Guest

4:01

Darrell KSR:

And that's a WINNER!

Cats win it 5-2.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:01 Darrell KSR

4:02

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Huge win...finish it off tomorrow!!

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:02 Kyle

4:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

yesssss!!!

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:02 Guest

4:02

Darrell KSR:

How did we score our runs?

Big blows were a 2-run home run by McClendon and a solo shot by Tyler Howe.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:02 Darrell KSR

4:03

KSRDan:

Thanks for setting this up Darrell. Great way to enjoy a ball game. Sorry I got here late and will be late tomorrow if you do it again, but I will try to get here asap.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:03 KSRDan

4:03

Darrell KSR:

That puts UK two full games ahead of Tennessee for the 8th and final SEC tourney slot, and guaranteed to win any tiebreaker with them in a two-team tie.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:03 Darrell KSR

4:03

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

awesome! let's get the big sweep tomorrow! second that dan!

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:03 Guest

4:03

Darrell KSR:

Glad to do it, Dan--I'll have to check schedules, but would love to do it again tomorrow.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:03 Darrell KSR

4:04

J.R.:

Thx

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:04 J.R.

4:05

Darrell KSR:

Glad to do it, guys. Peek in tomorrow around 2:00 p.m. ET and we'll see if we can get it done. If not, we may join the game in progress. There are plenty of great Wildcat baseball fans, and we all enjoy Cohen's Cats as they march to the SEC tournament and the NCAA tournament.

Thanks for playing along. See you on the boards.

Saturday May 10, 2008 4:05 Darrell KSR

4:05

Thank you for reading today.

Thousands of users.
Millions of readers.