PREVIEW: Kentucky looks to regroup in mid-week clash with Murray State

Kentucky will look to regroup in its Tuesday clash with Murray State after opening SEC play with losses in two of three games at No. 4 Georgia.

Tuesday’s game against Murray State will be Kentucky’s third in-state matchup this season (the ‘Cats are 2-0 with wins over Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky). They still have in-state matchups with No. 16 Louisville (x2), Western Kentucky and Northern Kentucky left on the schedule.

Last year’s Kentucky team, which reached the Men’s College World Series for the first time in program history, beat Murray State 10-6 in Lexington last season. The Racers held a 6-4 lead until the bottom of the fifth inning, where Kentucky put up five runs to take the lead.

Murray State Racers (12-4, 0-0)

Murray State is off to a good start this season, boasting a 12-4 record with a quality win over Western Kentucky. The Racers pushed No. 18 Ole Miss to the limit on March 5, as the Rebels outlasted Murray 8-7 in 10 innings.

Head coach Dan Skirka is in his seventh season at the helm at Murray, where his Racers have compiled a 177-139 record. They are in their third season of Missouri Valley Conference ball, where they have yet to make an NCAA Tournament appearance. Their last appearance in the Big Dance came back in 2003, where they were knocked out in two games in the Hattiesburg Regional.

Heading into their big in-state matchup, three players were named to the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason All-Conference team. This includes juniors first baseman Luke Mistone, catcher Will Vierling and left-handed pitcher Dylan Zentko.

Mistone and Vierling were both named MVC Player of the Week earlier this season. Mistone was bestowed the honor after hitting for a .520 average across four games from Feb. 25-March 2, and Vierling earned the title after belting three home runs in Murray State’s opening-day doubleheader against Western Illinois.

As a team, the Racers are hitting for a .311 batting average. Four of the nine leading batters in the Missouri Valley Conference are Murray State players.

2. 1B Luke Mistone (Murray State) – .414 BA
4. OF Jonathan Hogart (Murray State) – .382 BA
8. OF Dusty Mercer (Murray State) – .361 BA
9. C Will Vierling (Murray State) – .361 BA

On the mound, Kentucky will likely face sophomore right-hander Jacob Hustedde. Hustedde boasts a 7.88 ERA in eight innings pitched this season. He made the start against No. 18 Ole Miss on March 5 and held the Rebels to three hits and three earned runs over three innings pitched.

Kentucky Wildcats (14-4, 1-2)

After allowing 36 runs over its three-game span at No. 4 Georgia, a big-time performance from Kentucky’s offense and pitching staff would be great to see before its hosts No. 20 Auburn in its first home conference series of the season.

The ‘Cats experienced success against Georgia offensively, but the pitching allowed 36 runs on 35 hits, 23 walks, and 11 hit batters. Nick Mingione however will deploy freshman right-hander Nate Harris against Murray State on Tuesday, who did not pitch against the Bulldogs.

Harris is off to a great start to his collegiate career, as he’s 3-0 in his first three starts with a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings. Tuesday would be a great opportunity to continue to get the bullpen some more reps, as they struggled mightily against the Bulldogs. In 15 2/3 innings, Kentucky relief pitchers surrendered 21 earned runs (12.06 ERA)

Tuesday’s series was a bit of a rude awakening for the ‘Cats, which won their first five conference series in 2024. Reeling after dropping its first conference series of the season, Tuesday should serve as an opportunity to polish things to avoid dropping to 0-2 in SEC play.

Nick Mingione’s team totaled five errors over the three-game span in Athens, including a costly Tyler Bell miscue that allowed Georgia to go on and score five runs.

Through 18 games, Kentucky is hitting for a team .290 batting average. Senior left fielder Cole Hage leads the way with a .429 batting average, which ranks sixth in the SEC. Hage also leads the Wildcats in hits (27), home runs (six), and SLG% (.794).

After missing the entirety of the Georgia series, sophomore DH Ethan Hindle should return to the starting lineup on Tuesday. In his absence however, redshirt freshman Hudson Brown made his first two career starts in Athens. In seven at-bats, he went 2-7 at the plate with three walks and an RBI. Brown, alongside sophomore Griffin Cameron, have emerged as solid depth pieces as the ‘Cats venture deeper into conference play.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Kentucky leads 24-7

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (Kentucky Proud Park – 6:30 p.m. EST) SEC Network+
UK: RHP Nate Harris (3-0, 2.08 ERA, 13.0 IP) vs MSU: RHP Jacob Hustedde (0-0, 7.88 ERA, 8.0 IP)

---

We have some exciting news to announce from our good friend Andy Luedecke fromMyPerfectFranchise.net. He is a big baseball fan and from his line of work he has seen first hand the fantastic traits that baseball players bring to the franchise world. Andy is offering up a donation of $500 – $1000 to the school’s Baseball NIL collective if anyone from our site purchases a franchise. We think this is a cool opportunity to help the baseball program!! 

Now is the perfect time to contact Andy to learn more. Remember his services are 100% free and he’s here to help if you have any questions about business ownership! Head to MyPerfectFranchise.net to learn more or you can text or call Andy at 404.973.9901.

Note: NIL donations will vary based on the size of the deal.