Kentucky Baseball to Host a Regional for First Time Since 2017
For the first time in the history of Kentucky Proud Park (established in 2019), the Kentucky Wildcats will be hosting postseason baseball. As revealed on Twitter by NCAA Baseball on Sunday night, a Lexington Regional will in fact be happening. The ‘Cats will find out their pod mates during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show Monday at noon EST on ESPN. This is just the third time in school history that Kentucky will host an NCAA Baseball Regional. Hats off to Nick Mingione, who delivered in a make-or-break season.
The Bat ‘Cats had a disappointing outing in last week’s SEC Tournament, falling to Alabama 4-0 in the First Round. Even with the loss, Kentucky finished with outstanding metrics. The ‘Cats finished the season at No. 2 in RPI behind just Wake Forest. Kentucky finished the season having played the hardest schedule in all of college baseball, including the sixth hardest non-conference schedule. Only Vanderbilt and Arkansas had more Quad One wins than the ‘Cats (20). They finished the season at 36-18, their most wins in a season since 2017.
The ‘Cats however are limping into the Regional after losing six of their last seven series to end the season. Coach Nick Mingione remained uber confident following their First Round loss to Alabama however, stating “I am, yes. I’m very confident,” when asked about their hosting chances. On KSR last week, Mingione said, “The thing I guess I have peace about is we’ve put ourselves in a position where I feel like regardless of what happens (in the SEC Tournament), we’re going to host a regional in Lexington. I really do.” He was correct, and there’s now never been a better time to pack Kentucky Proud Park.
The Lexington Regional will begin June 2nd and continue through June 5th. With the Railbird Music Festival, NCAA Baseball Regionals, and State High School Baseball/Softball Regionals occurring next weekend, Lexington is going to be rocking. Pack KPP.
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