The Wildcats hit solo homers in the ninth and tenth innings to defeat NC State, 5-4, in first ever College World Series game
OMAHA – June 15, 2024
Having just seen a teammate thrown out trying to steal his way into scoring position and down to a final strike, Mitchell Dal blasted a hanging slider into the Kentucky bullpen to give the Wildcats a 5-4, 10-inning victory at Charles Schwab Stadium in their first-ever College World Series game.The Cats now will face the winner of Texas A&M and Florida on Monday night.
Having seen a 3-1 sixth inning lead turn into a 4-3 deficit and down to their final three outs, Kentucky rose from the ashes yet again in this magical season. Ryan Nicholson escorted a pitch just inside the LF pole to tie the game before Daly, a MCWS veteran from his time at Texas, connected for the winner, sending a delirious dugout streaming onto the diamond.
UK now has set the school record for victories in a season with 46.
Nolan McCarthy had a two-run home run and Trey Pooser delivered 6.2 strong innings to keep the Cats in good position. Johnny Hummel earned the victory on the mound.
NOTES
· Kentucky now is 46-14 in 2024.
- 46 wins sets the most in school history (2012).
- Kentucky is 27-11 in day games.
- Kentucky is 1-0 all-time at the MCWS.
· The attendance was 24,488.
· Kentucky is 6-0 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
· Kentucky’s pitchers have allowed eight runs over the last 49 innings.
· Kentucky now has won 18 games this season vs. ranked opponents.
· UK Coach Nick Mingione is in his eighth season at the helm and now owns a 262-164 career record.
o Mingione now is the second-winningest coach in school history.
o UK is 14-6 in the NCAA Tournament under Mingione.
- Senior Trey Pooser completed 6.2 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits.
- In the NCAA Tournament he has allowed four runs in 20.2 IP.
- Junior Nolan McCarthy went 2-for-3 with a run, two RBI, a walk and home run.
- Senior Ryan Nicholson went 3-for-4 with two runs and a solo home run.
- Senior Mitchell Daly had two hits, including the game-winning home run.
MCWS FIRST (KENTUCKY HISTORY)
BATTING:
Hit – Emilien Pitre (Double)
Run – Emilien Pitre
RBI – Nick Lopez (RBI Single)
Home Run – Nolan McCarthy (2-run, LF)
SAC – Devin Burkes
PITCHING:
Pitch – Trey Pooser
Strikeout – Trey Pooser (swinging)
Double Play – 3-6-3 (Ryan Nicholson-Grant Smith-Ryan Nicholson)
ON DECK
Kentucky will face the winner of Texas A&M and Florida on Monday night.
