KSR Today: Life After Kentucky Baseball Brings Recruiting Decisions
A wild weekend in Baton Rouge did not keep the Kentucky baseball season alive for another week. The Bat Cats spent the last month inspiring the Big Blue Nation. Unfortunately, every good story must eventually have an ending. This one ended against arguably the best team in college baseball. Despite a desperate comeback attempt, Kentucky could not live to fight another day, falling to LSU 8-3 in game two of the Super Regionals.
Saturday was filled with delays over inclement weather that was nowhere to be found. When the NCAA finally gave the teams the green light, the Tigers shellacked the Kentucky pitching staff, sending one baseball after another over the outfield walls.
Nick Mingione’s team showed resolve in an elimination game on Sunday by clubbing three balls over the fence. Unfortunately, all the homeruns were solo shots. The Wildcats’ had a chance to even the score late, but a line drive down the left field line was called foul. A strike out quickly followed, dashing hopes at a comeback.
The Kentucky baseball team could not pull off the upset to reach Omaha, but they are one of only two teams in school history to win a Regional Championship. In a “make or break” year, they broke all expectations, providing the Big Blue Nation with a delightful postseason run.
What Nick Mingione Said After the Loss
“Really proud of the group of men that I have in our program. A lot of you know, second time we’ve ever even been to one of these,” said the Kentucky baseball coach.
“I think you guys could see how tough and gritty, unselfish, how much they love Kentucky, how they’re willing to do whatever it takes to win. And I feel bad I couldn’t help lead them to do something that’s never been done before in the history of our program. But these group of men have changed our program forever. And I’m forever grateful for them.”
Did you see that Jaw-Dropping Catch?
It looked like the Bayou Bengals were going to blow the game open in the top of the eighth inning. Instead, Nolan McCarthy came flying across the field to the rescue, extending life for the Wildcats with one outstanding catch.
Multiple Kentucky Basketball Additions on the Table
Baseball was a welcome weekend distraction from the never-ending Kentucky basketball roster construction period. It’s hard to say where the Wildcats are in the transfer portal after Arthur Kaluma committed to Kansas State. It’s a different story in the high school ranks as Kentucky steers into the youthful skid.
Jordan Burks was expected to commit to Kentucky on a podcast last week. Instead, he decided to delay his decision until today. He’s pulling the trigger at 9 am on the I Am Athlete Podcast. Another Overtime Elite prospect may join him in the near future. Somto Cyril officially visited Kentucky this weekend and in the process picked up a Crystal Ball prediction to UK from Travis Branham. The big man could soon be on board. Indiana sharp-shooter Joey Hart also recently visited Lexington and could join the fold. There are a lot of moving parts that all could come together this week.
First Commitment for Kentucky Football
Welcome to the Big Blue Nation, Antwan Smith. Kentucky wrapped up its first weekend of official visitors by adding a talented linebacker from Atlanta. Smith chose the Wildcats over Duke, NC State and Vandy, among others. Anwar Stewart and Mike Stoops helped the Cats seal the deal for their first out-of-state addition to the 2024 recruiting class, which now ranks No. 35 nationally. That may not be the case for long.
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During the star-studded official visit weekend, Mark Stoops and Co. planted the seeds for multiple commitments in the coming weeks. The Wildcats made a strong push to Brian Robinson, a four-star EDGE that recently canceled his final OV visit to Penn State. Covington Catholic tight end Willie Rodriguez is another name to keep an eye after he spent quite a bit of time with Cutter Boley. Damarion Witten was another talented tight end in town, and he brought his high school teammate, offensive tackle Fred Johnson. Following Jonathan Daniels‘ first trip to Lexington, the No. 1 offensive tackle in America gave the school a glowing review to On3’s Chad Simmons.
How many times will Kentucky roll the dice with its most recent visitors? Subscribe to the KSR Newsletter and Text Alerts to make sure you are the first to know.
Kentucky Football Camps Wrap Up
Over the last week, hundreds of high school football players have traveled to Lexington to show off their talents to the Kentucky football coaches. Only three more remain — Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. KSR will be there to share who takes advantage of the final days of the summer evaluation period. Yesterday two familiar names were on campus, Tucker Kattus (Josh Kattus’ highly-rated little brother) and Chase Couch (the son of Tim Couch).
Adam Luckett and I will break down two weeks of Kentucky football camps, the new additions and latest intel this Wednesday on 11 Personnel, LIVE from Monticello Bank in Lyndon. During your lunch break hang with the football guys, bring some questions and a positive attitude. We can’t wait to see you.
One Shot for Canada
Nick Taylor was 72-feet away from history. A native Canadian had not won the RBC Canadian Open since 1954. Deadlocked in the fourth playoff hole with Tommy Fleetwood, he sent a ball sailing through the rain, across the green and into the cup. “Are you serious?!?” We can’t believe it either, Jim Nantz.
Following the putt, his fellow compadre, former UofL golfer Adam Hadwin, went to the green to celebrate with a champagne shower. One security guard thought the deviant was a spectator and did not hesitate to lower his shoulder.
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