Young arms proving to provide depth to Wildcat pitching staff

The youth movement has made its way to the Kentucky pitching staff this season.

Through seven games, eight of Kentucky’s 18 different arms that have seen game action this season are underclassmen. These young arms aren’t just being used to eat early season innings however, as they are impressing mightily.

In 22 2/3 innings pitched this season, these pitchers have allowed just 13 hits and four earned runs (1.59 ERA). All eight young arms have recorded a strikeout, totaling a combined 31 K’s in those 22 2/3 innings (12.3 K/9).

When asked about the freshman pitchers on Tuesday, catcher Devin Burkes‘ face lit up.

“We’ve got a lot of dawgs,” Burkes said. “Young guys, old guys. It doesn’t matter. Everybody’s ready to play.”

Sophomore left-handed pitcher Ben Cleaver has been Kentucky’s best young arm so far this season, as he has been almost un-hittable through his first two appearances. Although he was a little shaky in his season debut, the “Slim Reaper” bounced back in a major way against Belmont and delivered one of the best pitching performances in all of College Baseball so far this season.

Cleaver held Belmont to just one hit over six innings, retiring 18 of 19 batters. He also struck out 11 Bruins, including his final six batters in a row. His 16 total strikeouts this season are tied for eighth most in the SEC.

Ben Cleaver’s phenomenal outing is over.

– 6 IP
– 1 H
– 11 K
– Retired 18 of 19 batters

pic.twitter.com/2BA2xEXhfn

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) February 22, 2025

Fr. right-hander Nate Harris and Fr. left-hander Leighton Harris started Kentucky’s first two mid-week games of the season against Evansville and Morehead State and made grand first impressions as well.

Nate Harris allowed three hits and two earned runs with two strikeouts against Evansville, and Leighton Harris allowed five hits and no earned runs with four strikeouts against Morehead State. The freshman starting duo combined to allow just two earned runs and eight hits with six strikeouts in eight innings pitched this week.

Five more underclassmen made their season debuts out of the bullpen and didn’t allow a run in a combined five innings of work (Skelding, Smith, Grubb, Spurrier and Hunter). Freshman left-hander Logan Grubb had a collegiate debut to remember against Morehead State, as he struck out all three batters he faced to finish the game.

Nick Mingione and his staff have compiled an extremely talented group of young arms that can and will contribute right away, whether it be starting games or ending them.