LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Kentucky Wildcats erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning Friday afternoon, turning a tight contest into a decisive 10-5 victory over The Citadel Bulldogs at Kentucky Proud Park.

The Wildcats (12-2) trailed 5-3 entering the bottom of the sixth but overpowered the Bulldogs (5-6) late, capitalizing on a relentless offensive attack that produced 13 hits.

The Citadel struck first, manufacturing a run in the opening frame. Jayden Williams led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a flyout and scored on a fielder’s choice by Daniels. The Bulldogs extended their lead to 5-0 in the third inning, scoring three times on an RBI single from Barbrey, a run-scoring single from Hunt and a sacrifice bunt by Anderson.

Kentucky chipped away, scoring once in the second on an RBI single from Jayce Tharnish and adding single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The pivotal sequence began in the bottom of the sixth when Ethan Hindle launched a solo home run to left field, pulling the Wildcats within a run at 5-4.

The game then turned decisively in the seventh. With one out and a runner on second, Scott Campbell tripled to center field to tie the game at 5-5. After a walk and a stolen base, Tharnish delivered the go-ahead blow, a two-run single to right center that scored both Campbell and L. Lawrence. Following a pitching change, Hindle doubled home Tharnish, and Tyler Bell capped the outburst with a towering two-run homer to right field, stretching the lead to 10-5.

The seven-run inning rendered the Bulldogs’ 12-hit effort moot. Citadel relievers Andrew Buffkin and Will Holmes were charged with the late surge after starter Andrew Buffkin had initially quieted the Wildcats’ bats.

Kentucky reliever Connor Mattison (1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of work, and Jack Bennett closed the door with two perfect frames to secure the series opener. Citadel starter Will Holmes (0-1) took the loss.

The teams continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon.