KSR Today: The First Day of Summer for Kentucky Fans

So, uh, what’s going on? For the first time in a long time, we don’t have any Kentucky sports on the schedule. This feels weird.

What’s even weirder? We made it all the way until June 20 before reaching the summer dead zone. In the fall we have the cross-over, a hectic time of overlap between the Kentucky basketball and football teams. Typically, Big Blue Nation is stuck in a sports desert from May until August.

Thanks, Kentucky baseball. You gave us an extra three weeks of sports to celebrate. From the first day of the Regional Tournament at Kentucky Proud Park, it was a thrilling ride that reached a crescendo in the 10th inning of the program’s first game in Omaha. Even though the Bat Cats came up a few wins short of their ultimate goal, a National Championship, we’ll have “DALY WINS IT! DALY WINS IT! DALY WINS IT!” etched in our memories forever.

A game for the ages. #WeAreUK x #MCWS pic.twitter.com/TZ5qcSVi7F

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) June 16, 2024

Kentucky baseball made history in 2024. We’ll reflect on that much more over the coming days. Until then, let’s sift through what happened in their season-ending loss to Florida at the College World Series.

Kentucky Baseball Ran Out of Gas in Omaha

The Bat Cats rode exceptional defense and outstanding pitching to get to Omaha. Facing elimination, those strengths went by the wayside. After throwing two starters, Kentucky went to Dominic Niman on the hump. Unfortunately, he could not replicate his performance at the Lexington Regional. Niman pitched only one out before a call to the bullpen.

He didn’t get much help behind him. An error on the first at-bat helped Jac Caglianone reach second. The Kentucky defense let a pop-up in foul territory fall to the dirt. The first inning was sloppy, then turned into a disaster when Brody Donay hit a grand slam to take a 7-1 lead. Kentucky could only tread water for so long. The writing was on the wall, ending in a 15-4 defeat.

It was an ugly way to end the season, but it cannot tarnish those everlasting memories. That’s why the BBN was ready to welcome the Bat Cats home with a warm reception at Kentucky Proud Park.

Welcome home, Cats. Thank you, #BBN! pic.twitter.com/BCLqSDJ96g

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) June 20, 2024

More Coverage from the College World Series

Nick Mingione Reflects on “Pushing the Wall Down” at the College World Series
Kentucky Baseball Built Foundation for Future Success
Mingione, Hagenow, McCarthy Postgame Press Conference
Rapid Reaction with Daniel Hager and Steven Peake
Mingione will remember this Kentucky baseball team as Winners
WATCH: An Emotional Dugout Following the Loss

Thanks to Steve Terrell for taking care of the KSR crew over the last week in Omaha. Our coverage would not be possible without the generosity of Summit Insurance Group, a veteran-owned, family-operated business that is excited to guide you through all of your insurance needs. Give Steve and the Summit Insurance Group a call today — (859) 479-1234 — to see how they can formulate a plan to make sure you are covered for whatever life throws your way.

What’s Up Next for Kentucky Fans

The end of Kentucky baseball has put the BBN in a pickle. Here’s what we have to look forward to in the world of KSR before it’s Football Time in the Bluegrass at Kroger Field.

This Weekend: More Football Commits Following Official Visits?
June 26: NBA Draft
July 4: Football Recruiting Announcements
July 13-21: Peach Jam
July 15-18: SEC Media Days in Dallas
July 19-23: TBT with La Familia in Lexington
July 26-Aug. 11: Summer Olympics

It’s going to be a rough couple of weeks. Get in your vacations now and enjoy the sun, because before you know it we are going to be blessed with more sports to watch.

New KSR Podcasts

While the Kentucky baseball team was swinging away in Omaha, the Kentucky basketball team started practicing together for the first time. Jack Pilgrim and Shawn Smith hopped on the mic for a new edition of Sources Say to talk about the dog days of summer and dish on the latest developments in the world of Kentucky basketball recruiting.

This afternoon we will be talking a little football recruiting on 11 Personnel with Zack Geoghegan ahead of this busy recruiting weekend. Before we dive into the official visits and share which players may join Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, JD PIcKell from The Hard Count joins me to figure out where Kentucky football falls in this year’s SEC pecking order.

Let’s Get Weird on KSR

You know how kids act up and push the limits when there’s a substitute teacher in the classroom? That’s exactly what Ryan Lemond is doing today on KSR. Your favorite goofball is bringing the radio show to his pool. Yes, the infamous pool they discuss often is the setting for tomorrow’s radio show. Some special guests may join him. Things will probably get weird. You definitely want to listen.

Ryan Lemond Hosts Trivia at KSBar

If you thought the radio show at Ryan’s pool was going to get out of hand, wait till you see what he’s got in store for Trivia Night. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed or a little intimidated when Matt Jones is asking the questions, tonight is your night to feel like a Smartie Pants. The action begins at KSBar and Grille at approximately 7 pm EST.