Kentucky Baseball Still Confident with Backs Against the Wall

The Kentucky baseball team was prepared to make history in the Baton Rouge Super Regional. Instead, the Bat Cats got ran off the field in game one. Despite the lopsided loss to LSU after a day filled with delays, the Wildcats are confident they can scratch and claw their way back into College World Series contention. After all, they’ve done it before.

Kentucky won just its second ever Regional after falling behind at home. The Wildcats lost to Indiana on Saturday night and needed to win three straight to keep the season alive. They’re comfortable in an uncomfortable elimination situation.

“I think last weekend definitely gives us a sense of confidence. We play well when our backs are against the wall,” said Hunter Gilliam. “You’ve got a lot of guys in that locker room who aren’t ready to be done playing together yet.”

The circumstances are different from a week ago. The Kentucky baseball program is on the road in a hostel environment, facing off against one of the most talented teams in country. It’s a daunting task, yet one they experienced earlier this season.

In mid-April Paul Skenes was a flame-thrower, striking out 13 Wildcats in a 10-run LSU win. The following night, Kentucky responded by defeating the top five team 13-10. Kentucky had a lead in the seventh inning of game three, but it slipped away and the Tigers won by one run. Kentucky showed grit and determination in Baton Rouge. They plan to do it again today.

“Last time we were here it was the same thing,” Nick Mingione said following the 14-0 game one loss. “Very similar outcome, very similar deal, where we didn’t play our best and we came out the next day and played exceptionally well and had a chance to win on Sunday. Been there, done that.

“I told the team that just now. ‘Hey, we’ve been in a very similar situation, not only last weekend but the last time we were here.’ Obviously, there’s a lot at stake tomorrow, but we’ve been here before.”

Game two of the three-game Baton Rouge Super Regional is scheduled for 6:06 pm EST on ESPN2.

Kentucky Baseball Indifferent on Weather Delays

Let’s be candid: the weather delays sucked. The game kept getting kicked down the road, again and again, and for what? While the BBN was mocking LSU, particularly head coach Jay Johnson, the Kentucky baseball team remained focused on the task at hand. It certainly did not seem to help the Bat Cats, but they aren’t using it as an excuse.

“The whole weather forecast stuff was crazy, but our mindset is whatever happens, good. If we’d have pushed it back until 2:00 in the morning, we’re ready to go,” said Gilliam. “The result wasn’t what we wanted, but the whole waiting around, that didn’t have too much to do with it. We just didn’t play our best game tonight.”

Nick Mingione added, “The weather is going to be what it is, and we’re going to trust whoever makes the calls, and we’re going to live with it. We’re not going to point any fingers or make any excuses.”

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