(WKYT) – Kentucky pitching ace Jaxon Jelkin, slated as the Saturday starter against Arkansas, instead pitched two innings in relief on Thursday to help nail down the Wildcats’ all-important 4-3 win over the Hogs.
The win is UK’s 13th in SEC play. Historically, 13 league wins means a bid to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Jelkin (8-2), coming off two complete game wins (Tennessee, Florida), was scheduled to pitch Kentucky’s season finale on Saturday against Arkansas. With the Wildcats holding a 4-2 lead in the eighth inning, coach Nick Mingione surprised everyone, running his best pitcher out to the mound to secure the win.
Jelkin gave up a solo home run, but struck out two in the final two innings to pick up his first career save and give the Wildcats a chance to win the series against Arkansas on Friday.
“I woke up this morning and I kind of knew we needed a win tonight,” Jelkin said. “So I texted Coach (Dan) Roszel and just told him, hey, I feel good. I can throw tonight if you guys need me.”
His head coach made the most of the offer.
“Maybe one of the more unselfish moves that I can remember,” Mingione said. “Very unselfish and a win that, we know the magnitude of that win.”
Nate Harris got the start for the Wildcats. Harris missed a month due to injury. He pitched three scoreless innings.
Ethan Hindle hit his team-leading 11th home run for the Cats.
It’s Senior Night as Kentucky hosts Arkansas in Game Two of the three-game series at Kentucky Proud Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. Game Three is scheduled for Saturday at 2.