Bat 'Cats Welcome Xavier to Lexington for First Home Game in Two Weeks

For the first time in two weeks, No. 13 Kentucky baseball will be playing at Kentucky Proud Park on Tuesday. In that time, the ‘Cats have gone 2-4 with back-to-back series losses to Georgia and No. 1 LSU. Tuesday’s home game couldn’t come any sooner.

Coach Mingione pleaded for Kentucky fans to come out and support this week at Monday’s media availability. “To the people of Lexington and our state, I plead with you to come out, be a part, and cheer on our guys.” Minge continued, saying “Homefield advantage, much like we’ve felt at other places, we have that and that’s because of our fans.”

You heard the man, pack KPP this week.

Making their way to Lexington will be the Xavier Musketeers from the Big East. The Muskies will enter Tuesday night’s matchup at 22-14, fresh off a series loss to No. 20 UConn. A win over Xavier on Tuesday would be crucial to get the ‘Cats back on track ahead of a brutal stretch of games against Texas A&M, No. 12 Louisville, No. 4 Vanderbilt, and No. 6 South Carolina.

Xavier Impact Players

Outfielder Andrew Walker has been Xavier’s most impactful player this season. The grad student from Pittsburgh has raked this season, leading (qualified) Muskies in hits (50), RBI (35), and doubles (nine). SS Jack Housinger was named Big East Preseason Player of the Year but has really struggled under those expectations. After batting .311 last season, Housinger is batting a team low .207 this year. He may be struggling, but he still remains a dangerous piece in the lineup. Catcher Matthew DePrey is Xavier’s power threat, as the junior leads the team in home runs hit (10). DePrey was named to the Watch List for the 2023 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year award earlier this season.

Sophomore RHP Luke Hoskins will start on the mound for the Musketeers. Hoskins has made 12 appearances this season (seven starts) and boasts a 5.01 ERA in 41.1 innings pitched. He’s allowed 23 earned runs on 39 hits, with a 30:10 K/BB ratio.

Xavier is just 2-29 all-time against Kentucky. A win over the No. 13 ranked ‘Cats at Kentucky Proud Park would be a big deal to those back in Cincinnati.

Kentucky Impact Players

After a big series against the best team in the country, sophomore Émilien Pitre has found himself with a team-best .373 batting average.

“This is a guy that got to sit behind (2022 MLB Draft Pick) Ryan Ritter at shortstop last year. He sat in that dugout and paid attention. [Pitre] went out this summer and proved that he was going to have a special year,” Nick Mingione said about the Canadian. “He is a very consistent person. Whether it’s a big hit, a great play or a big strikeout, he’s the same dude. For somebody in their first year as an everyday player, to manage those ups and down can be difficult. He’s just so consistent.”

Petey leads an offense that boasts six .300-plus batters, one of the best in the country. The Wildcats may be at the bottom of the SEC in home runs hit (by a lot), but lead in sac-bunts and stolen bases. Mingione said at Media Day that they were going to be the Kings of Small Ball, and they’ve excelled at that so far.

Redshirt freshman Travis Smith will be making his first start since April 4th on Tuesday. Smith has started in six games this season, boasting a 2-0 record with a 4.29 ERA. Smith continues to make his way back from Tommy John Surgery. He continues to get closer to 100% with every start he makes.

First pitch between the ‘Cats and Muskies is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST Tuesday night. It will be sunny and 68 at game time. Get to KPP, grab a beer, and cheer on the ‘Cats.