The Wildcats ride strong pitching and timely hitting to take down another top-15 opponent in a crucial late-season series.
The Kentucky Wildcats delivered one of its most impressive weekends of the season, sweeping No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners in a three-game non-conference series at Kentucky Proud Park.
The Wildcats opened the weekend with a gritty 4-3 win on Friday, followed by an 8-5 victory on Saturday, and wrapped up the sweep with a commanding 7-2 win on Sunday afternoon.
With the sweep, Kentucky improves to 28-20 overall and 13-14 in SEC play, putting itself in position to make the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year. The Wildcats have now won three of their last four series — including impressive victories at No. 4 Tennessee and vs. No. 14 Oklahoma.
Sunday’s finale showcased a complete performance from the Wildcats. Kentucky jumped out to a quick lead, scoring in the first and second innings before Oklahoma tied things at 2-2 in the fourth. The Wildcats answered in a big way, as Tyler Bell and Luke Lawrence launched home runs in the bottom of the frame to regain control. Kentucky added two more insurance runs in the seventh, sealing the victory.
The offense was balanced and relentless, racking up 13 hits. Five different Wildcats tallied multi-hit games, with Bell driving in two runs and Lawrence scoring twice. On the mound, Ben Cleaver set the tone with a quality start, giving up just two runs across six innings. The bullpen shut the door over the final three frames.
With momentum building and a strong finish to the regular season ahead, Kentucky now looks like a team ready to return to the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year.
UK did not trail at the end of any of full inning in the series. Both times Oklahoma led after its at bat the Cats responded to take the lead in their half of that inning. pic.twitter.com/TbyFudH1vD
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 11, 2025