Tennessee (27-17, 9-14) earned a much-needed win on the diamond Friday night, defeating the Kentucky Wildcats (28-18, 10-13) by a final score of 8-2 behind a 128-pitch effort from senior Nick Williams to even the series. [game thread]
“I’m proud of our guys,” coach Dave Serrano said. “They took ownership of what happened last night and all you can do is come back the next day and lay it on the line between the lines and I thought we did a good job of that.“
Nick Williams, who is trying to help his team get to the tournament for the first time in his career, notched his fifth win of the year. He allowed only two runs while striking out a season-high eight batters, even though he didn’t have his best stuff according to Serrano.
Freshman Kyle Serrano pitched three scoreless innings of relief to earn the save, while allowing only one hit.
Offensively the Vols were led by Derek Lance (3-4, 3R, 2RBI), Taylor Smart (2-3, 2R), and Christin Stewart (1-4, 4RBI).
Sophomore left-hander Andy Cox is expected to start Saturday’s rubber match (12 noon start).
[Live Game Thread: Official Kentucky at Tennessee Game 3 Thread – 12 PM – SPSO]