LEXINGTON, Ky. – Battling pitch-for-pitch with its third power five opponent of the season, the University of Evansville baseball team created chances for itself, but could not capitalize in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon in Lexington, Ky.
“Still searching for a way to win the close game. Competitive game but our offense couldn’t get it done,” said Aces head baseball coach Wes Carroll. “Our bullpen is really coming together and performing well. Big weekend for us as a team to overcome a close game with a win.”
Evansville’s offense started the game off hot getting a leadoff base hit from Simon Scherry to open the game. The Wildcats ended the Aces threat with a double play just two batters late and got the scoring started in the bottom of the first. As Caleb Reinhardt got settled, the Wildcats were able to muster a run across to open a 1-0 lead.
The Aces strong starts to innings continued in the second with back-to-back base hits from Brent Widder and Mark Shallenberger. As has been his signature all of his career, Tanner Craig stepped up when the Aces needed a boost, rocking a three-run home run, his third of the season, to left field and pushing Evansville in front.
Developing as the theme of the night, Kentucky answered the Aces in the bottom half of the second, getting a home run of its own, this one of the two-run variety, tying the game at three runs apiece.
After the first two batters again reached base safely for Evansville in the third, Evan Berkey grounded into a double play, but the Wildcats took the two easy outs, allowing Scherry to score and giving the Aces a 4-3 lead. Kentucky responded with single runs in the third and fourth inning, moving in front 5-4.
The latter portions of the contest were dominated by both team’s bullpens as the Aces saw Drew Dominik, Eric Roberts, and Nate Hardman collectively pitch 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking-out four to give UE a chance.
In the ninth inning, Evansville was able to get runners on the corners with two outs, but Kentucky got a strikeout to end the threat and secure a 5-4 win for the Wildcats.
Evansville is back at home at German American Bank Field this weekend with five games on tap, including four Aces contests with two each against UIC and Ohio, beginning Friday in Evansville. For the full weekend schedule, visit GoPurpleAces.com.
