SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate baseball team (2-1) dropped its first loss of the 2012 campaign today to Kentucky with a 6-0 decision at Harley Park.

The Spartans struggled at the plate, recording just two hits on the day compared to the Wildcats' 13. Junior Jordan Stampler (Davie, Fla.) went 1-for-3 at the dish for Upstate, while classmate Gaither Bumgardner went 1-for-4, extending his hitting-streak to 16 games.

The Wildcats were led by Austin Cousino and J.T. Riddle. Cousino posted a 3-for-5 day at the plate, scoring two runs and plating one. Riddle also went 3-for-5, while collecting two RBI for UK.

Seven Upstate hurlers saw action at the mound as junior Brandon Lee (Palatka, Fla.) got the loss. He tossed three innings, giving up eight hits and allowing four runs. Junior Ben Augenstein (Sebastian, Fla.) fanned three Wildcat batters during his one inning of work, while giving up one hit and one run.  Freshman L.J. Newman (Piedmont, S.C.) recorded one strikeout in the top of the ninth inning and allowed one hit.

Corey Littrell picked up the win for Kentucky, improving to 1-0 on the season. He gave up two hits and no runs, while striking out eight Spartan batters. Trevor Gott had three K's, pitching one inning in relief for the Wildcats.

Upstate returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 22, hosting Furman at 4 p.m. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.