LEXINGTON, Ky. – No. 22 Kentucky secured a series victory over St. John’s on Saturday with a 3-0 win, a game characterized by timely pitching and defensive plays despite leaving numerous runners stranded.
The Red Storm consistently threatened, leaving seven runners on base through the first three innings against Kentucky starter Ben Cleaver. St. John’s ultimately finished the game 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Cleaver, a junior left-handed pitcher, pitched effectively but didn’t have his sharpest stuff, according to the game’s flow.
Kentucky coach Nick Mingione turned to reliever Connor Mattison in the fourth inning, and the Grand Canyon transfer proved pivotal. Mattison earned the win, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out five batters. He twice escaped jams with a runner at third base, preserving the scoreless tie.
The Wildcats’ offense broke through in the seventh inning. Will Marcy’s single to left field scored Carson Hansen, giving Kentucky a 1-0 lead. Moments later, freshman Caeden Cloud, making his first career start at third base in place of the injured Tyler Cerny, delivered an RBI double, extending the lead to 2-0. Cloud then showcased his defensive skills in the eighth inning, making a leaping grab on a line drive and doubling off the runner at second base for a crucial double play.
Kentucky added another run in the seventh, and Jackson Soucie closed out the game with two scoreless innings to earn a save. Jayce Tharnish went 2-for-4 with a steal, and remains perfect on the season with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts.
The win improves Kentucky’s record to 8-2 on the season and extends Mingione’s record to 301-194 in his 10th season at the helm. Mingione is now the second-winningest coach in school history. Kentucky has allowed just one run, unearned, through the first two games of the series.
Kentucky will attempt to complete the sweep of St. John’s on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on SECN+ and the UK Sports Network.
