Nick Mingione spoke with players about SEC clinching scenarios

History can be made this weekend in Lexington, with Kentucky aiming for the program’s second-ever SEC championship in baseball. Currently 20-7 against conference foes, Vanderbilt will come to town and multiple scenarios are in front of the Wildcats to clinch. Arkansas and Tennessee are the contenders but taking care of business all weekend would result in an outright title.

Usually, head coaches avoid discussing specifics with players, wanting to keep their heads down. Nick Mingione went in a different direction, sitting down with the team, and explaining all of the potential outcomes.

“Yesterday, when I spoke with the team, we went over exactly what this weekend entails, what was on the line,” Mingione said on Wednesday. “The reason I did that was because they have all this information in their hands. So, I wanted to make sure they understood and it was accurate.”

Tennessee sits one game behind Kentucky at 19-8 while Arkansas is two back at 18-9. Tough series are ahead of both teams, facing off against South Carolina and Texas A&M, respectfully. The opposition are surefire NCAA Tournament teams and have something to play for when it comes to seeding.

Vanderbilt is a little different, going through a bit of a slump. The Commodores have lost three consecutive SEC series and won just two games in that time. Tim Corbin’s team is not playing the best baseball at the moment.

An opportunity to come out, win the series, and potentially the outright SEC championship is there for Kentucky. Mingione made sure the players knew how a trophy could be placed inside the baseball facility.

He does not expect the on-field mentality to change, though. Mingione reminded them why they have a chance to win the SEC as they’ve focused one game at a time all season. Nothing should change against Vanderbilt, even with a little extra something on the line.

“We also kind of reminded them when you’re climbing a mountain, you’re not just staring at the mountain top,” Mingione said. “You go one step at a time. Just reminding them ‘Hey, the reason we’re in this spot is because we’ve done an amazing job of just doing whatever is next and whatever that day called for. And not focusing on winning but doing what it takes to win.’ So, just reminded them how important that was heading into this weekend.”

The first game of the weekend will take place on Thursday night, hoping to have things wrapped up by Saturday afternoon. Mingione is hoping it turns out to be a celebratory event in front of Big Blue Nation.