Kentucky was just one out away from dropping a tight series opener to Vanderbilt, but Braxton Van Cleave flipped the script with one powerful swing.
The Wildcats were down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth when they managed to load the bases with two outs. That set the stage for Van Cleave, who stepped in and, on a 1-1 pitch, launched a walk-off grand slam for the first home run of his career.
While the dramatic finish will grab the headlines, the game was largely defined by outstanding pitching on both sides, with Vanderbilt holding a slim 2-1 lead deep into the ninth.
Kentucky starter Jaxon Jelkin delivered a strong outing despite being in line for the loss. He worked 8 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 9 and walking just 1. Most of Vanderbilt’s damage came early, as they collected 4 hits and both runs in the first three innings before Jelkin settled in and dominated over the next five frames.
For the ninth inning, Kentucky turned to Nile Adcock, who kept things clean and earned the win after a scoreless top half.
On Vanderbilt’s side, starter Connor Fennell pitched 6.1 innings of one-run ball, giving up 5 hits while striking out 3 and walking 2, but did not factor into the decision. Reliever Tyler Baird struck out five over 2.1 innings, but ran into trouble in the ninth, surrendering four hits including the decisive grand slam.
The Wildcats now turn their attention to the series, with game two set for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
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