Chase Estep powers mid week blowout for the Bat 'Cats

by:Eric Decker•05/17/22•

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On3 image — Photo by Sarah Caputi I UK Athletics

The Wildcats were able to take care of business in a pretty stress free night at Kentucky Proud Park for the final mid-week game of the season. Powered by four RBI from Chase Estep in a 13-0 mercy-rule win over Tennessee Tech, the ‘Cats are 28-23 before a weekend set with Auburn.

Well-rounded effort propels Kentucky

The ‘Cats got production across the board tonight from their lineup with six out of the nine starters recording at least one hit.

The Corbin native kicked off the scoring in the first inning with an RBI groundout that scored Hunter Jump. Estep followed it up in the following frame with a three-RBI double down the left field line to make it a 5-0 game.

Chase's money don't jiggle jiggle, it folds!@chasestep12 with a three-run double to give UK a 5-0 lead after 2. pic.twitter.com/41gdoAFjAp
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 17, 2022

Oraj Anu continued his hot return to the lineup with two extra base hits and four RBI. The designated hitter has batted over .340 since returning. Jake Plastiak also added a pair of RBI with a couple of doubles.

.@jakeplas02 stays on a pitch and drives his 11th double of the season, scoring @Devin_Burkes to make it 7-0!

Watch on SECN+ pic.twitter.com/2uDJvu98aV
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 17, 2022

Daniel Harris also showed out. The second basemen swiped one bag officially but turned a wild pitch into a run after being on second base as part of a three-run fourth inning to push the lead up to double digits.

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Easy day for the bullpen

Desperately needing to preserve their best arms for this weekend, Head Coach Nick Mingione called on Magdiel Cotto to start what would become a bullpen game.

While not looking his best against a lower-tier opponent, the South Carolina transfer was able to make it through three scoreless innings before passing the ball along. He ended up allowing three hits and a walk during that span to go along with a pair of strikeouts.

The combination of Wyatt Hudepohl, Mason Moore, Colby Freida, and Evan Byers held the Golden Eagles scoreless.

We’ll see the ‘Cats this weekend in a crucial SEC series with postseason implications. The first pitch on Thursday is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and will be shown on SEC Network+.