GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — Luke Lawrence’s fourth-inning grand slam capped a nine-run third inning as the Kentucky Wildcats routed UNC Greensboro 13-2 on Friday evening at UNCG Baseball Stadium.

The Wildcats pounded out 14 hits and capitalized on walks and hit batters to build an insurmountable early lead. Lawrence’s four-RBI blast was the decisive blow. Kentucky starter Jayce Tharnish earned the win with a strong outing.

The Spartans avoided a shutout with a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Barbour and a solo homer from Parsons in the ninth. Kentucky improved to 1-0, while UNC Greensboro fell to 0-1. The teams continue their series with a doubleheader Saturday.