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LEXINGTON, Ky. - The RedHawk baseball team opened their three-game series at Kentucky by dropping a 6-4 decision to the Wildcats on Thursday evening. The loss puts Miami at 3-8 on the season while UK now sits at 9-6.

Kentucky grabbed early control of the contest with three one-run singles in the home half of the first. The `Cats extended their margin in the next frame with two more one-run singles, moving them out to a 5-0 lead through two innings of action.

Miami battled back to get within one with a four-run top of the third. Steve Sada led off with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Following a Carlos Texidor hit by pitch, Dallas Hall grounded out to shortstop to move both runners into scoring position before J.T. Stone walked to load the bases. A two-run single to center from Ross Haffey and a sacrifice fly from Adam Yacek gave the Red & White its first three runs of the night. After another hit by pitch, Brooks Urich single up the middle to plate Haffey and bring the score to 5-4 in favor of Kentucky through three and a half.

The Wildcats pushed their lead to two runs with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth. The score stood at 6-4 UK through four frames.

Miami was unable to make much noise down the stretch as the Wildcats held on for the win. RedHawk starter Cole Gnetz took the loss after going 1.1 innings and allowing four runs on five hits. Shane Smith was solid in relief, surrendering just one run over 4.2 innings tossed. Andy Almquist capped the effort out of the bullpen for MU, throwing a hitless final two innings.

The two teams get back at it Friday with a 4 p.m. first pitch. The game is scheduled to air on SEC Network+ and ESPN3. Fans can watch as long as SEC Network is part of their TV package.