Preview: Western Kentucky at Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — In-state rivals Western Kentucky and Kentucky will meet under the lights in frigid conditions Wednesday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST with the temperature expected to be near 31 degrees under cloudy skies.

The Wildcats (5-2), playing at home, enter with a slight edge in record over the visiting Hilltoppers (5-3). Both teams are looking to rebound from one-run losses this past Saturday.

Kentucky fell 1-0 at Evansville despite a strong start from Nate Harris, who struck out seven over five innings. The Wildcats’ offense will aim to reignite after being shut out. A key performer for Kentucky is pitcher Ben Cleaver, who delivered four hitless innings of relief with five strikeouts in a 5-3 win over Evansville on Feb. 21.

Western Kentucky is coming off a 7-8 home loss to Southeast Missouri State, a game in which reliever Gage Olsen shined with 4 2/3 innings, eight strikeouts and no earned runs. Hilltoppers infielder Kyle Hayes has been a recent power source, hitting a home run with three RBIs in an 11-8 win on Feb. 21.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kentucky 7, Western Kentucky 5.

This is a standalone midweek contest for both programs. Kentucky begins a three-game home series against Saint John’s on Friday. Western Kentucky starts a four-game set against Indiana on Thursday.