KSR Today: Bat Cats survive, Jaxson Robinson is official

A win is a win, the only thing that matters in the postseason. It’s all about surviving and advancing, exactly what the Bat Cats were able to accomplish in Kentucky Proud Park on Friday. Leading 8-0 through four innings, it appeared things would be wrapped up without too much drama, only to have Western Michigan fight back to outscore Kentucky 8-2 over the final five innings.

Way too close for comfort, but when things got tight late, the Cats found a way to hold the Broncos to zero runs in the final three innings to lock up the opening-day win in the Lexington Regional.

“You guys have watched us play. How many times have we been in that same game,” Nick Mingione said after the tricky, but necessary win. “I feel like we’ve been there so many times.”

Right fielder James McCoy snapped a 0-21 hitless streak with a two-run homer and RBI double to lead the Cats while third baseman Mitch Daly added two RBI himself with two doubles to make up the standouts. Left-hander Dominic Niman got off to a hot start allowing just one hit through four innings, but after giving up five earned runs in the fifth, it was right-hander Cam O’Brien who replaced him and ultimately earned the win while right-hander Robert Hogan was credited with the save giving up two hits and zero earned runs with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

“They did score in two innings, but they didn’t score in the other seven,” Mingione said. “I thought that was the difference in the game.”

What’s next? It’ll be a date with the Fighting Illini as No. 3 seed Illinois advanced to the winner’s bracket after defeating No. 2 seed Indiana State 4-1 on Friday to earn the program’s first NCAA Tournament win since 2015.

Due to inclement weather in the forecast, first pitch for that one has been moved up from 6 p.m. ET to 55 minutes after the conclusion of Game 3 between Indiana State and Western Michigan, which begins at Noon ET. Prepare accordingly, Big Blue Nation. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+ this afternoon.

Nick Mingione and Daniel Hager break down the win

Need some pregame viewing to get you ready for the matchup? Look no further than the postgame coverage from last night with 30 minutes of media and six more for KSR’s Rapid Reaction.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

Mark Pope announces signing of Jaxson Robinson

All of those draft withdrawal deadline concerns have been officially put to bed, first in the form of BYU star Jaxson Robinson pulling out of the draft and announcing his commitment to Kentucky, and now by Mark Pope making it official that the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year has put pen to paper.

The Wildcats announced his signing on Friday, officially solidifying his addition as the top-end talent this roster needed ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“Jaxson Robinson has been one of the most improved players in the country for two straight years and is barely scratching the surface of his potential. His growth trajectory is incredible,” Pope said of his talented guard following him from Provo to Lexington. “He is an elite level shooter, is increasingly dangerous off the bounce and at the rim and has the potential to become a big-time playmaker. Jaxson guards with length and balance and understands how important it is to build strong relationships with his teammates.

“On a personal level, I’m so excited I get to finish his college journey with him in pursuit of Kentucky’s ninth national championship.”

Robinson’s addition gives Kentucky seven super seniors going into the year, about as deep, talented and experienced a roster Pope could build in seven weeks given the circumstances.

Sources Say talks importance of Robinson’s addition

How did it all come together and what does it do to help Kentucky’s chances of hanging banner No. 9 inside Rupp Arena, as Pope so desperately hopes — as do all of us? What will happen with that 13th and final scholarship spot as the roster becomes finalized?

The Sources Say Podcast broke it all down on the KSR YouTube Channel on Friday.

Antonio Reeves reschedules Lexington camp

Planning on being at Antonio Reeves’ youth camp in Lexington today? Don’t drive to Steam Academy just yet — the event has been postponed.

The former Kentucky star’s workout schedule with NBA teams is hectic from now through the draft, so he has decided to make it a late-summer camp for local kids in the area to enjoy. Rather than today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, it’ll be held on August 3 in the same time window.

For the cost of $125, campers will receive a t-shirt, an autographed poster and instruction from the All-American guard himself, along with various drills, contests, awards and giveaways throughout the day.

🚨🚨🚨New Camp Date ‼️‼️
Due to unforeseen circumstances with Antonio’s NBA pre-draft workout schedule we have to change the date of the camp to August 3rd. We hope he continues to have successful workouts for teams as he chases his dream of playing in the NBA. We apologize for… pic.twitter.com/gxXYOSRIL0

— Camp One (@the_camp_one) May 30, 2024

Wanting to attend? Registration remains live with all additional details and information available for Big Blue Nation at www.thecampone.com. Camp will be held at Steam Academy in Lexington at 1555 Georgetown Road.