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Kentucky

Jackson Gray gives Kentucky early lead over LSU with a solo home run

Screen Shot 2024-05-28 at 9.09.17 AMby:Kaiden Smith•06/11/23•

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Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kentucky outfielder Jackson Gray got things started in a major way in Game 2 of the Wildcats’ Super Regional matchup versus LSU on Sunday.

On just the third pitch of the day, Gray got the best of Tigers’ pitcher Ty Floyd, sending his pitch over the right-field wall for a solo home run to give Kentucky their first lead of the ball game.

The homer marks Gray’s sixth of the season and his first of the postseason, choosing a great time to launch one over the wall. Gray gives Kentucky an early 1-0 lead in a must-win game for the Wildcats, as LSU took Game 1 of their double elimination, Super Regional series.

The home run also marks Gray’s first hit of Super Regionals, as he went 0 for 4 on the mound for in their previous Game 1 matchup with the Tigers. But he was not alone, as the Tigers won resoundingly over the Wildcats 14-0 on Saturday.

Gray may have been the key to starting up the offense for Sunday’s matchup, but LSU responded quickly in the next inning.

In the blink of an eye, LSU got the bases loaded with just one out to start the top of the second inning with right-handed pitcher Austin Strickland on the mound. LSU Center fielder Dylan Crews capitalized on the opportunity, sending home Gavin Dugas for a run on an RBI ground out to tie the game up early at 1-1. The RBI marks Crews’ second of Super Regionals, as he had two hits as well versus the Wildcats on Saturday.

LSU and Kentucky remain tied 1-1 as both teams enter the third inning.

Nick Mingione reacts to Kentucky’s performance

Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione gave an assessment of his team’s performance through two innings of play in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.

The Wildcats have their backs against the wall down 1-0 in the series, but Mingione applauded his team for their resiliency thus far during the third inning of the ESPN2 broadcast.

“They’re built tough, they care. And when you’ve been through a lot and you’re trying to do something that’s never been done before? Obviously it means a lot. A good group of guys that are just super tough,” Mingione said. “I’ve said it all year. They want to do whatever they can for Kentucky.”