Host Kentucky jumped on Western Kentucky early and often Wednesday for a 17-2 baseball win at Cliff Hagan Stadium in Lexington.

Kevin Lambert’s first career home run highlighted the afternoon for WKU Baseball, which gave up five runs apiece in the first and second innings as the Wildcats built a 10-0 led.

First baseman Grayson Ivey also added an extra-base hit, an RBI double in the third inning.

The Hilltoppers (3-6) loaded the bases in the first inning with two outs, but Colie Currie lined out to left field to end the threat. The Wildcats (4-5) responded with five runs apiece in the first and second innings to jump out to a 10-0 lead.

WKU (3-6) got a run back in the top of the third on Grayson Ivey’s RBI double.

To lead off the sixth, the freshman shortstop Lambert homered off UK’s Zack Thompson over the left-field fence. It was the team’s 10th home run of the season and the third by a Hilltopper freshman.

WKU starting pitcher Evan Acosta took the loss, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) in 1.2 innings. Kentucky improved to 4-5 with the win.

The Hilltoppers host Mid-American Conference opponent Ohio University for a three-game series at Nick Denes Field from Friday through Sunday. Ohio has started the season 5-4 and is coming off a 12-6 loss vs. Alabama State on Tuesday in Emerson, Ga.