Michigan beats UK 7-5, face elimination v EMU

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Michigan Wolverines scored five runs in the 2nd inning, and withstood a four-run rally by Kentucky in the 8th inning to defeat the Wildcats 7-5 in an opening round NCAA tournament game. The Cats next face Eastern Michigan in an elimination game at 2:00 p.m.

Michigan chased UK starter Chris Rusin after only 1.1 innings Friday night, the shortest of his career. Rusin gave up three hits and five earned runs in the outing. His previous shortest outing this season was against Florida, going 4.1 innings.

No. 13 Michigan rode the 5-run 2nd inning and extended the lead to 7-1 as Kentucky came to bat in the 8th inning. Sawyer Carroll had a massive opposite field home run to lead off the 8th, which appeared to rejuvenate the Cats. Before the inning was over, Kentucky had nine batters come to the plate, and scored four runs to narrow the margin to 7-5.

Kentucky (42-18) will next face Eastern Michigan in an elimination contest at 2:00 p.m.