Kentucky baseball controls its own destiny

(Britney McIntosh/UK Athletics) Just when we thought the Kentucky baseball team was going to close out the season on a run, they let one get away to in-state foe Murray State in Paducah. The Cats lost 7-3 Tuesday night at Brooks Stadium, taking the Breds (as they’re nicknamed in baseball) best punch. Murray threw seven different pitchers in the ballgame, including all three of their regular weekend starters. Kentucky on the other hand, was more reserved in who took the mound, saving the arms for this weekend against the final Southeastern Conference opponent of the regular season, Mississippi State. The loss doesn’t look good, no matter what. Murray is 23-30 on the season, and the No. 2-ranked Wildcats had no business not only giving up seven runs on ten hits, but putting up a meager three runs and not capitalizing on multiple Murray errors. This is Kentucky’s third out-of-conference loss this season, with the other two coming at the hands of Louisville. But the Cats have got to finish strong despite the minor setback, because they are currently in sole possession of first place in the SEC by a half-game. Leading South Carolina, with a couple of wins on the road it can likely seal the deal for an SEC crown. The Gamecocks are battling LSU to end their season and will be tough to get the sweep on the Tigers. Regardless, the old saying is true here; Kentucky is in control of its own destiny. Win out and it’s a no-doubter, lose one or two and you have to hope for some help from LSU. But things can get complicated when you consider LSU is only one-game back from the SEC lead, so you don’t want too much help. The series in Starkville will open up on Thursday at 7:30, and continue on Friday at 8:00 and Saturday at 3:00. The games will be broadcast on UK IMG radio 630 AM WLAP in Central Kentucky, or 1080 AM WKJK in Louisville. You can also follow along with Gamecasts on the UK Athletics website.