Game Preview: Kentucky opens 2018 baseball season at Wofford

Yes, it's already that time. Kentucky baseball begins arguably its most anticipated season in program history late this afternoon against Wofford.

Here's what you need to know before the first pitch. And remember to follow along in the game chat at the House of Blue where many of the program's biggest fans can read updates and discuss the game as it happens.

Kentucky (0-0) at Wofford (0-0)

Friday, 5 p.m. (Hayden Field, Spartanburg, S.C.)

2017 Records: Kentucky 43-23 (19-11), Wofford 28-30 (13-11)

TV/Radio: Socon Digital Network, UK Radio Network

On the Mound: One of the reasons there's so much optimism surrounding Kentucky's program in 2018 is the return of a fantastic weekend starting rotation. Junior right-handed pitcher Sean Hjelle was 11-4 with a 3.89 ERA in 17 starts and 108.2 IP with a 102/33 KO/BB ratio a year ago. He was the SEC's Pitcher of the Year. The 6'11 Minnesota native is a strong MLB draft prospect and will be watched closely by scouts this season.

Wofford left-handed pitcher Adam Scott is expected to get the nod. He had a 6-6 record and a 4.92 ERA in 15 starts last year. He had an impressive 108/24 KO/BB ratio but gave up 104 hits in 93 innings pitched.

Need to Know: While much of the buzz around Kentucky baseball has to do with the pitching staff, the Wildcats also return some strength in the lineup. But that's where most of the losses from last year were. That's been profiled and previewed before at Cats Illustrated.

Nick Mingione's first recruiting class was ranked in the Top 10 by Baseball America and it will start to make an impact in this season opening trip to South Carolina, where the Wildcats face South Carolina-Upstate on Saturday and Sunday after Wofford on Friday.

As for Wofford, senior outfielder McClain Bradley is the top returning bat. He combines great contact and a .365 batting average with a good eye and some pop (8 HR in 2017). McClain is a first team preseason All-SoCon pick.

The Terriers had the green light on the bases last season and were fourth in the country in stolen bases. Their 66 home runs were also a program-high over the previous decade.

Wofford returns plenty of production from 2017, with seven starters and most of its rotation and bullpen back. Freshman Lawson Hill is the lone newcomer to the lineup at the DH position.

The last time these two programs met was 2016, when Wofford won the season opener 5-4 on their home field against the No. 24-ranked Wildcats.