Grant Smith reveals what Kentucky can take from first LSU meeting

Baton Rouge will be home to an all-SEC Super Regional, with LSU set to host Kentucky over the weekend. A trip to the College World Series is on the line and either way, the SEC will be sending someone. However, this is not the first matchup between the Tigers and Wildcats on the Bayou.

LSU hosted Kentucky in April at the Box, earning a three-game sweep. Thursday night saw a 10-run game before the final two were decided by three and one runs, respectively. It’s something Kentucky’s Grant Smith remembers and believes will be something the Wildcats can take with them heading into the Super Regional.

“We know they’re a good team but I think the biggest takeaway is that we’re a good team too,” Smith said. “We could’ve won the series against them, all three games were competitive except for a couple of innings that made the score seem out of hand. We’re definitely confident going in based off that series.”

There are three innings Smith is likely talking about, all occurring on Thursday night. LSU came out of the gate running, putting 14 runs on the board. Smith argues Kentucky was competitive throughout the rest of that game and the following two, showing they can compete with a national championship-contending team.

Game 1 of the Baton Rouge Super Regional will take place on Saturday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. CT. LSU ace Paul Skenes is expected to be on the mound, who did struggles against Kentucky. In six innings pitched, Skenes gave up four runs on seven hits.

At the very least, the Wildcats know they can get to someone who many consider to be the best pitcher in college baseball. There should be confidence flowing through the lineup heading into Saturday afternoon.

One day later, Game 2 will take place and if a Game 3 is necessary, Alex Box Stadium will once again be open on Monday.

Previous history would tell us LSU is going to be the one heading to the College World Series. Smith seems to disagree with that sentiment though, thinking Kentucky has more than a chance to pull off the upset.

After all, they have won three in a row to get to this point. Why not make it five and get yourself to Omaha? The stage is being set as the Wildcats have a huge opportunity on the road ahead of them.