KSR Today: Mega Sports Saturday

I hereby declare this Saturday a Mega Sports Saturday. An occasion that only happens a few times a year, this Mega Sports Saturday features a little bit of everything. If you park yourself in front of a screen or two or three, you’ll be left smiling and satisfied following all of the action on this incredible Mega Sports Saturday. Here’s what’s on the slate:

Kentucky Tennis in the Final Four

For the first time in school history, the UK men’s tennis team is one win away from competing for a National Title. The Wildcats will take on No. 4 Ohio State at 11 am ET. You can stream all of the action on TennisONE. The Cats will have a chance to get vengeance from a 4-0 early season loss to the then top-ranked Buckeyes in Columbus. I don’t pretend to know a ton about college tennis, so let Troy Howell provide everything you need to know about the match.

Win and You’re In for Kentucky Baseball

A lightning delay forced Kentucky to play a doubleheader in the final series of the season against Auburn at Kentucky Proud Park. The Cats took game one with a 5-1 win over the eighteenth-ranked Tigers. Things did not go so well in game two, falling 6-3 to split the Senior Night doubleheader.

What does the loss mean? There are two ways Kentucky can make the SEC Tournament. The simple way is to win. If Kentucky cannot defeat Auburn this afternoon (2 pm ET first pitch at KPP on SECN+), Georgia must take down Missouri to give UK a spot in Hoover.

Kentucky Softball Romps in Regional Opener

Not hosting a regional for the first time in a long time, Rachel Lawson’s Kentucky softball team let Miami (Oh.) have it. Kentucky blitzed the Redhawks, hitting dingers in three of their first four at-bats. Kentucky led 10-1 after two innings, eventually run-ruling the Redhawks 15-1 thanks to six home runs. Wow.

Game 1 ✅#WeAreUK x #BeTheStandard pic.twitter.com/bjRhnLnKba

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) May 21, 2022

Kentucky advances to play Virginia Tech Saturday afternoon at 3 pm ET on ESPN. A victory this afternoon and the Wildcats are only one win away from advancing to the Super Regional.

Bam and Herro in the Eastern Conference Finals

The NBA Playoffs have not featured a ton of close games. I fear that might be the case again tonight when the Heat travel to Boston for the first time in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics dominated with the return of Marcus Smart and Al Horford, while Tyler Herro struggled mightily in game two. Boston is a 6.5-point favorite for the 8:30 pm ET tip-off.

Moving Day at the PGA Championship

Folks, I hope you’re listing to Adam Luckett. KSR’s Football Guy is also a Golf Guy. Ahead of the PGA Championship he shared a few picks: Will Zalatoris and Mito Pereira. Right now they’re No. 1 and No. 2 on the leaderboard. I had never heard of Mito before recording 11 Personnel, yet the new guy from Chile is crushing it. Louisville native Justin Thomas is within reach at third, one shot ahead of Bubba Watson. Despite some early struggles, Tiger Woods made the cut at +3. Take a look at the leaderboard.

Preakness Stakes 147

This year’s Preakness Stakes does not have as much pop without a Triple Crown on the table. Even without Rich Strike in the field, we should have an entertaining race Saturday night. Kentucky Derby runner-up Epicenter is the horse to beat and the 6-5 favorite. The filly, Kentucky Oaks champion Secret Oath, will take a lot of money and has a chance to win the Black-Eyed Susans. Early Voting is well-rested and has the highest speed figure in the field, but I might try to throw out that second choice for Simplification at 6-1. Best of luck to everyone. Let’s win some money today.

How to Celebrate a Win

Erica Herrforth had never raced a horse before Friday. In her first mount at Churchill Downs, the rookie jockey was victorious aboard Carry On. Her new peers in the jockeys’ locker room were ready to rejoice.

So, what’s it like to win your first race with your first mount? Congrats Erica @Herrforth! pic.twitter.com/xt2hEYGEiF

— Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) May 20, 2022