CLEMSON, S.C. — In a thrilling game at the Clemson Regional, Kentucky overpowered USC Upstate with a 7-3 victory on Saturday. Luke Lawrence led the charge for Kentucky, going 3 for 4 and scoring a run, creating momentum for his team. Ethan Walker, coming out of the bullpen, delivered an outstanding performance, conceding only a single hit across five innings.
The triumph allowed Kentucky (30-25) to advance and prepare to face off against the loser from the Clemson-West Virginia clash in an elimination duel on Sunday. This marks Kentucky’s determined march forward, while USC Upstate (36-25) saw their inaugural NCAA Tournament run end.
Kentucky’s starting pitcher, Nic McCay, encountered difficulties in the fourth inning when USC Upstate managed to even the score at 3-3. However, Walker (2-1) took over and revitalized Kentucky’s defense, notably striking out three batters in the sixth inning. The offense capitalized on a skillful squeeze play executed by Patrick Herrera in the bottom of the sixth, helping Kentucky reclaim the lead.
By the eighth inning, Kentucky had further stretched their advantage. Lawrence, who had already logged three singles, stole second base brilliantly and crossed home plate courtesy of a timely single by Cole Hage. Hudson Brown also made a significant impact with his first hit of the tournament, a bases-loaded single driving in two more runs.
Walker continued his strong relief work, remaining unblemished until two outs into the ninth inning. He rounded off his stint with an impressive seven strikeouts, while allowing just three opposing players on base.
Kentucky set the pace early on with Carson Hansen’s three-run homer to the opposite field in the first inning, setting a strong foundation. Meanwhile, James McCoy went an excellent 2 for 2, extending his current hit streak to an impressive eight games, tying his personal best.
USC Upstate’s relief pitcher, Darin Kuskie (5-2), struggled against the potent Kentucky offense, giving up three earned runs in his two innings on the mound.