Posted on Sat, Apr. 26, 2008

VANDERBILT 3, KENTUCKY 2

Vandy silences Kentucky offense

'DORES STARTER STRIKES OUT NINE

HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

NASHVILLE --

Pedro Alvarez hit a two-out RBI double in the bottom of the eighth to lift Vanderbilt to a 3-2 victory over Kentucky Friday night at Hawkins Field.

Strong pitching performances from Vanderbilt's Mike Minor and Kentucky's Chris Rusin kept the Southeastern Conference's top-hitting teams without any runs through the first five innings.

The Commodores (31-11, 11-7 SEC) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning and the Cats (31-11, 9-10) answered with their first run in the top of the seventh.

Vanderbilt broke the 1-all tie with a run in the seventh and then broke a 2-all tie on the run-scoring double by Alvarez with two outs in the eighth.

Minor went six innings and gave up five hits and one unearned run while striking out nine Kentucky batters. Chase Reid gave up a run in relief and Russell Brewer (2-1) came on to get the win by pitching 12/3 innings of no-hit ball to end the game.

Vanderbilt's staff held UK's power duo of Collin Cowgill and Sawyer Carroll to a 1-for-7 day with three strikeouts.

Kentucky's Rusin (4-2) gave up seven hits and three runs through eight innings. Rusin struck out eight and didn't walk a Vanderbilt hitter.

Shortstop Chris Wade had the only multi-hit game for the Cats with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. UK had just six total hits, all of them singles.

Vanderbilt second baseman Brian Harris hit a solo home run and right fielder Dominic de la Osa went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Saturday

Kentucky at Vanderbilt

When: 3 p.m.

Pitchers: UK, James Paxton (3-2); Vandy, Caleb Cotham (6-2)

Radio: WLAP-AM 630