Citadel at Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Kentucky Wildcats look to continue their dominant start and secure a series win when they host The Citadel Bulldogs in the second game of a weekend set Saturday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park.
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 74 degrees.
Kentucky (12-2) overpowered The Citadel 10-5 in Friday’s opener, extending its winning streak to four games. The Wildcats’ offense, averaging over seven runs per game, was led by designated hitter Tyler Bell, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Bell, batting .410 on the season, is a key figure in a lineup that has produced double-digit hits in seven of its last eight games.
The Citadel (5-6) aims to rebound behind a strong pitching performance. Bulldogs right-hander Will Holmes is a player to watch, entering with a 0.90 ERA over 13 innings in his last three appearances. In Friday’s loss, Holmes provided two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one earned run. He will need to stifle a potent Wildcats order that features five regulars hitting above .300.
The Bulldogs’ offense will seek more production after stranding 10 runners Friday. Rhyder Poppell provided a bright spot with a solo home run.
Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Kentucky victory, with its ELO rating system giving the Wildcats an 88.1% probability to win. Kentucky has been formidable at home, going 9-1 at Kentucky Proud Park this season.
The series concludes Sunday.