No. 2/4 Tennessee could not find its rhythm at the plate Saturday night, falling 4-1 to Kentucky in game two of its weekend series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols managed just three hits and struck out 15 times as the Wildcats evened the series. UT also committed two errors and allowed 10 stolen bases in a game where little went its way.
Wildcats' starter Nic McCay earned the win, striking out 12 over 7.2 innings to earn his fourth win on the year. McCay allowed just one unearned run and retired the side in order four times.
Tennessee's lone run came during a two-out rally in the eighth inning. Gavin Kilen reached second on an outfield error, prompting McCay's exit. Andrew Fischer followed with a walk, and Hunter Ensley drove in the run with an RBI single to give the crowd a spark, but the comeback fell short.
Vols' starter Marcus Phillips put forth a gritty effort, tying a career high with eight strikeouts over five innings while allowing two unearned runs on five hits. Brandon Arvidson, AJ Russell, Michael Sharman, Austin Breedlove and Andrew Behnke all tossed scoreless outings in relief, as well.
Russell made his first SEC appearance of the year, pitching 1.2 shutout innings while allowing just one walk in his fourth outing of the season.
Gavin Kilen was one of three Vols to record a hit Saturday night, finishing 1-for-3 with a walk while also reaching on an error to get on base three times.
He has now reached base in all 26 games he has started, tallying at least one hit in 23 of them.
Andrew Fischer extended his on-base streak, as well, and has now reached safely in all 39 games this season after drawing two walks on Saturday.Tennessee will look to win its second straight SEC rubber game on Sunday afternoon after taking down Ole Miss last weekend. First pitch for Sunday's contest is slated for 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.