LEXINGTON, Ky. – After knocking final exams out of the park the Kentucky baseball team returns to action this weekend when it hosts No. 5 Arkansas at Kentucky Proud Park for a three-game Southeastern Conference series. The opener is set for Friday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with afternoon starts on Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.).
The Wildcats (22-22, 5-16 SEC) are coming off a weekend where it scored 21 runs on the road against Florida and saw ace left-hander Zack Thompson throw his second complete game in conference play, dominating the Gators without allowing an earned run. Senior outfielder Ryan Johnson and sophomore catcher/infielder Coltyn Kessler were outstanding in the series, combining to reach base in 17 of 27 total plate appearances with six runs scored, 10 hits, a double, a home run, four walks, three hit by pitch and seven runs batted in.
UK coach Nick Mingione stands one win shy of reaching 100 for his career. He already ranks as the winningest coach in school history through three seasons, both in overall wins and conference victories.
On Friday night, UK will send sophomore right-hander Jimmy Ramsey to the mound to open the series. Thompson will get the baseball in game two on Saturday and Sunday’s starter will be determined at a later time.
All three games will be broadcast live on SEC Network Plus. Fans also can listen to Darren Headrick – The Voice of Kentucky Baseball – via the UK Sports Network or on 630 AM WLAP Lexington on the iHeart Radio app.
Weekend Promotions
Friday – Jersey Tote Bag Giveaway, Chick-fil-A Kids Run the Bases after the game
Saturday – Star Wars Day (special tickets available for $4 at UKathletics.com/StarWars), Kids Have a Catch after the game.
Sunday – Trading Cards Giveaway (set four of five), Team Autographs after the game.
Parking and Tailgating
Parking in all areas surrounding Kentucky Proud Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible. The following areas will be open for parking:
- College Way lot immediately adjacent to Kentucky Proud Park
- Purple Lots by soccer/softball
- Kroger Field Blue Lot
- Kroger Field Green Lot
- Lot between the Arboretum and Commonwealth Drive
Shuttles will operate beginning two hours prior to first pitch and will run until one hour postgame. Shuttles will pick up at the Blue and Green lots and drop at the main gate of Kentucky Proud Park.
Parking lots will open four hours prior to first pitch and all tailgates must be in the back of vehicles. Tailgates can be coordinated through Tailgate Guys, a turnkey tailgate service.
Complete tailgating information
SERIES DETAILS
Friday, May 3 vs. #5 Arkansas
6:30 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
TV: SEC Network Plus; Radio: UK Sports Network (630 AM in Lexington)
UK – Jimmy Ramsey (RHP, 2-4, 7.29 ERA); Arkansas – Isaiah Campbell (RHP, 2.66)
Saturday, May 4 vs. #5 Arkansas
2 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
TV: SEC Network Plus; Radio: UK Sports Network (630 AM in Lexington)
UK – Zack Thompson (LHP, 4-1, 1.88); Arkansas – Patrick Wicklander (LHP, 4.14)
Sunday, May 5 vs. #5 Arkansas
1 p.m. ET; Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)
TV: SEC Network Plus; Radio: UK Sports Network (630 AM in Lexington)
UK – TBA; Arkansas – TBA
Follow along with the Cats on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
