Robert Hogan will face former team in Monday's MCWS matchup

Right-hander Robert Hogan was apart of the Texas A&M team that made it to the College World Series in 2022. Now two years later, he’s a major contributor to Kentucky’s first ever run to the College World Series and will face the Aggies on the sport’s biggest stage.

Hogan, who spent two seasons in College Station, entered the Transfer Portal on June 2, 2023. Just three months later, he committed to Kentucky on September 6. He was one of two players that transferred to Kentucky with MCWS experience (Mitch Daly, Texas).

Hogan pitched to a 4.91 ERA in 18 1/3 total innings as a freshman, setting large expectations for his future as a reliever and a potential starter at A&M. His sophomore season however didn’t go the way he would have wanted it to go at all. He experienced a sophomore slump, posting a 14.63 ERA in just eight innings on the mound.

During his sophomore season however, he was dealing with personal issues that caused him to miss road trips and playing time. Nick Mingione discussed Hogan’s struggles following Kentucky’s Super Regional clinching win over Oregon State.

“Hogey’s story is pretty amazing,” Mingione said. “If you guys ever get a chance to just find out where he was, just a year ago mentally, not making road trips, not pitching, just down and out. To do what he’s done here is truly remarkable and it’s a true testament to the type of man that he is. And I’ll let him tell you the story at another time, but it’s really amazing what he’s been able to do.”

Hogan, who has said before that coming to Kentucky was the best choice he had ever made, has been one of Kentucky’s most reliable relievers this season. In a career high 38 2/3 innings pitched, the right-hander boasts a 2.79 ERA.

“Super happy for Robert,” Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle said ahead of their matchup. “We hadn’t really talked since he left. I had texted him a few times congratulating him when they made the World Series but I just told him I’m happy for him. Happy to see him confident. I’m happy to see him have a real role on a great team and see him happy. He’s been through a lot in his life. Sometimes a different change of scenery and something different is just good. I’m super happy for him. We obviously want to beat him but at the same time, I’m really happy for Robert.”

Entering the College World Series, Hogan had allowed just two earned runs in his previous 15 innings pitched (1.20 ERA). He allowed a hit in 1/3 inning of action against NC State, which would go on to score on a Johnny Hummel wild pitch.

“To watch his development just from the time he first got here to somebody that was lost, trying to find his way and lacking confidence, to a guy that is now standing on the mound who acts like he owns the place and can pitch and get outs in the biggest moment is really what’s cool about coaching,” Mingione said. “As important as this is and the trophy and everything else, I really believe that Kentucky has changed his life. That means more to me than maybe anything.”

Kentucky and Texas A&M will play at 6:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. ET in the second College World Series game on Monday. The winner will join Tennessee as the two teams with a 2-0 record in the event.

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KSR the show may not be headed to Omaha this weekend, but the website will be well-represented. KSR baseball beat writer Daniel Hager and videographer Steven Peake hit the road on Friday to capture all the action and excitement for Kentucky’s first College World Series appearance. They’ll be sharing all of their adventures on the site, social media, and special editions of “Bat Cat Beat” and Rapid Reactions on the KSR YouTube Channel, so make sure you’re following and subscribed to keep up with the Cats.

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