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Jenkins Today
By the People, for the People
Jelkin shines as Cats roll past UNC Greensboro in season opener
Kentucky pitcher Jaxon Jelkin strikes out 10 in four shutout innings in debut
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Jaxon Jelkin, a junior pitcher for the Kentucky Wildcats, had a dominant debut, striking out 10 batters in four shutout innings to lead Kentucky to a 13-2 win over UNC Greensboro in their season opener. The Wildcats set a program record with 20 strikeouts in the game, with Connor Mattison and Tristan Hunter also contributing strong pitching performances. Kentucky's offense was led by a grand slam from senior second baseman Luke Lawrence and three-hit games from transfer outfielder Jayce Tharnish and freshman catcher Owen Jenkins.
Why it matters
Jelkin's impressive debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery is a promising sign for Kentucky's pitching staff this season. The Wildcats are looking to build on last year's success and make a deep postseason run, and a healthy and effective Jelkin could be a key piece of their rotation.
The details
Jelkin, a hard-throwing right-hander, was on a 65-pitch count for his debut and finished with 58 pitches, 40 of them strikes. He struck out the first seven batters he faced and 12 of the 14 he faced overall. Mattison, a transfer from Grand Canyon, followed Jelkin and struck out seven over 3.2 innings, allowing just one earned run. Kentucky's offense broke out with 14 hits, including five extra-base hits, highlighted by Lawrence's grand slam in an eight-run third inning.
- Jelkin made his debut for Kentucky on Friday, February 13, 2026.
- The Wildcats and UNC Greensboro are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday, February 14, 2026 due to inclement weather expected on Sunday.
The players
Jaxon Jelkin
A junior pitcher for the Kentucky Wildcats who was making his debut after sitting out last season following Tommy John surgery.
Connor Mattison
A junior right-handed pitcher and transfer from Grand Canyon who came out of the Kentucky bullpen and struck out seven batters over 3.2 innings.
Luke Lawrence
A senior second baseman for Kentucky who hit a grand slam as part of an eight-run third inning for the Wildcats.
Jayce Tharnish
A transfer outfielder from St. Bonaventure who led Kentucky with three hits and three stolen bases.
Owen Jenkins
A freshman catcher from Lexington Catholic who also had three hits for the Wildcats.
What’s next
Kentucky and UNC Greensboro are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday, February 14, 2026 due to inclement weather expected on Sunday.
The takeaway
Jelkin's dominant performance in his return from Tommy John surgery is a promising sign for Kentucky's pitching staff this season as the Wildcats look to build on last year's success and make a deep postseason run.
