The Kentucky Wildcats made their debut in the College World Series and emerged victorious, defeating NC State 5-4 in a dramatic fashion. Senior infielder Mitchell Daly delivered the game-winning home run with two outs, securing Kentucky’s first-ever win in Omaha. Daly hit his second home run of the game, which was his seventh of the season.
The thrilling win also marked a program-record 46th victory in a single season for Kentucky. Starting pitcher Trey Pooser pitched 6.3 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three, and walking two. The Wildcats took an early lead in the 1st inning when senior infielder Nick Lopez hit an RBI single. Junior outfielder Nolan McCarthy added to the lead with a two-run homer in the 4th inning, giving Kentucky a 3-1 advantage.
NC State managed to tie the game with two runs in the 7th inning and then took the lead with another run in the 9th inning. But the Bat Cats responded in the bottom of the 9th when senior infielder Ryan Nicholson hit a game-tying home run, sending the game into extra innings where Daly would later secure the victory.
With this win, Kentucky has secured their spot to play beyond Monday. Depending on Monday’s outcome, they will either advance to Wednesday or play again on Tuesday. Now, they prepare for their next game with their eyes set on advancing further in the College World Series. Go CATS!
