RECAP: Northern Kentucky stuns No. 6 Wildcats, 8-6

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky's eight-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday as Northern Kentucky stunned the No. 6 Wildcats, 8-6, at frigid Cliff Hagan Stadium.

The Norse entered the game with a 2-9 record and a starting pitcher, Sam Williams, with an ERA over 11.00, but neither of those stats meant much after nearly four hours of unpredictable mid-week baseball.

Williams (1-1) kept UK off-balance through five innings on the mound, surrendering only two runs on three hits and two walks. The left-hander struck out five Cats.

Northern Kentucky plated four runs in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth against UK starter Brad Schaenzer (0-1) and reliever Aaron McGeorge to take an 8-2 lead.

The Norse bullpen trio of Jordan Menfee, Nick Beard and Joe Martin made it hold up but not without some late fireworks from one of the nation's top offensive clubs.

Kentucky got a three-run homer from Tristan Pompey in the eighth inning and a solo shot from Troy Squires in the ninth to cut the deficit to two runs. The Cats got the tying run to the plate with one out, but Martin fanned both Kole Cottam and T.J. Collett to lock down the win and his first save of the season.

Chad Roberts led a 12-hit night by the NKU offense with three hits. Norse centerfielder Jake Richmond added two hits, a home run, and drove in four runs.

UK collected only seven hits on the night but managed to extend its streak to 14 consecutive games with a home run.

The Cats (12-2) return to action with a marquee matchup against No. 3 Texas Tech in a three-game weekend series at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The Red Raiders will bring a 14-0 record to Lexington.