Braden Kapteyn; Photo: UK Athletics

The University of Kentucky scored three runs in the first inning and rode a strong start from sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper to a 7-1 win over the University of Louisville. Cooper earned his third win of the season after surrendering one unearned run on five hits in six and two-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three. The Cats batted around in the first inning with senior shortstop Taylor Black, freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle and junior catcher Michael Williams tallying RBI in the inning.

UofL redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss in his first start since being demoted from the weekend rotation. Nastold surrendered four runs on five hits in two innings while walking two batters and striking out none. The UofL offense did not tally a hit until the fifth inning and plated its only run in the seventh inning after tallying three infield hits in the frame. UofL freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was the only UofL batter with multiple hits and finished the game 2-3 with one walk and one run scored.

UK junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn was 3-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Luke Maile slugged his team-high seventh home run of the season in the sixth inning. Junior left fielder Chad Wright was 3-5 with two runs scored and one RBI. Cooper was making his fourth career start against UofL and has surrendered just one earned run in 19 and two-third innings against the Cards. (Box Score)