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Kentucky Baseball Still in Contention for National Seed

By Jared DeRossett

May 6, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball on the field prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball on the field prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a dominating performance over the weekend leading to the sweep of Tennessee, Kentucky Baseball remains in contention for a national seed.

Kentucky baseball was sitting pretty after their impressive play in April. So much so, that they were ranked in the top four, placing them in contention for a national seed. Then they dropped the series to the Georgia Bulldogs, dropping them to number nine in the nation.

While some may have been concerned after dropping two games to the Bulldogs, the Bat Cats quickly put the doubters to bed. The Wildcats have been scorching hot, winning four straight, including a beatdown of Tennessee over the weekend. The series sweep moved Kentucky to 36-16 on the season, and number six in the country.

This winning streak has been a culmination of hot hitting and proficient pitching. In the series against the Volunteers, the Wildcats tallied 48 hits, leading to 30 runs. This led to a ridiculous average of 10 runs and 16 hits a game in the series sweep.

Pitching was led by Sean Hjelle and Zach Thompson, combining for over ten innings pitched and only one run allowed. These two have led the Wildcats on the bump all season, and the bullpen has been steadily improving.

Riley Mahan Wins Third SEC Player of the Week Award

It’s also worth noting that infielder Riley Mahan won his third SEC Player of the Week honor. Only one other player in the SEC has received such an honor this season. Mahan was killing the ball the past week:

"The Cincinnati, Ohio native hit .667 (10-for-15) in the four games, cranking three doubles, a triple and three home runs, scoring six runs and driving in eight. He had a 1.600 slugging percentage and .722 on-base percentage, nearly hitting for the cycle in two different games. Mahan is now hitting .345 on the season in 52 games with 48 runs scored, 21 doubles, three triples, 13 homers, 54 RBI and eight steals. In SEC play alone, Mahan leads the league in runs scored, triples and total bases; ranks second in doubles, home runs, slugging percentage and hits; third in RBI and fifth in batting average.-UK Media Relations"

What’s Next for the Wildcats

The newly ranked number six Bat Cats have four regular season games remaining, one against Northern Kentucky. Then, the remaining three on the road against number five ranked Florida, a final test before tournament play.

Next: Kentucky Baseball post-season hopes

There is still very much hope for a national seed, and if the Wildcats remain hot like this, it’s a real possibility.

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