LEXINGTON, Ky. — Western Kentucky had won eight of the last 10 meetings against Kentucky entering Wednesday's matchup, but the Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers by pounding out 21 hits in a 17-2 win.

Second baseman Riley Mahan drove in four runs for the second straight day while Evan White, Marcus Carson and Luke Heyer hit home runs to lead the Wildcats offensively.

"I thought we did a really good job again, two days in a row doing a good job with the strike zone," Kentucky coach Nick Mingione said after the game. "Obviously being able to elevate some balls and extra base hits were key today."

Kentucky's bats were hot from the onset. The Wildcats scored five runs in both the first and second innings to push ahead 10-0.

Mahan singled home two runs with bases loaded in the bottom of the first to give the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. Heyer then singled to score Tristan Pompey, but Western Kentucky centerfielder Colie Currie made an error when trying to field the ball, which led to Mahan scoring from first. Kentucky closed the inning with another run on a throwing error by catcher Ty Hogan.

Carson and Heyer homered in the second inning, while Pompey hit a two-run double. The Wildcats scored seven runs over the next seven innings to complete the blowout.

Top offensive performers: White (3-4/ 1 RBI, 1 HR, 20-game hit streak), Cottam (3-5/ 1 RBI), Carson (3-5), Mahan (3-6/4 RBI)

Kentucky has collected 32 hits and scored 27 runs in its first two home games this season. The Wildcats have outscored their opponents 32-6 over the past three games.

Kentucky freshman Zack Thompson picked up his first career win. Thompson allowed two runs over six innings of work, struck out seven batters and walked two. The Hilltoppers loaded the bases with two outs in the first inning, but Thompson's day was mostly smooth sailing. He allowed a leadoff home run in the top of the sixth and allowed one run in the fourth, but that was all WKU could muster against Thompson.

"I thought he threw well," Mingione said. "The seven strikeouts in six innings was really good. He gave up fewer hits than innings pitched. I think at times he wanted to command the fastball a little better, but I was really proud of the changeups he's thrown.

"He threw some really good changeups. For a freshman, it's his second start ever. The guy continues to do a good job for us. He's special."

Colton Cleary, Zach Pop and Logan Salow combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Kentucky (4-5): The Wildcats host 2016 College World Series participant UC Santa Barbara for a three-game tilt this weekend. The Gauchos are 4-4 on the season.

Western Kentucky (3-6): WKU hosts Ohio this weekend.