The stakes are high, the timing is perfect—and the Wildcats are delivering. This is what Baseball America had to say about the SEC heading into this weekend:
"The SEC is still flexing its depth, with a staggering 11 teams already locked into the NCAA Tournament and at least three more fighting to join them. Florida, Texas A&M and Mississippi State are all on the verge of locking up bids, while Kentucky is trending in the wrong direction after a disastrous weekend. At this rate, the league could threaten its own record for bids if the bubble swings kindly.Jacob Rudner, Baseball America writer
Locks: Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt
Should be in: Florida, Texas A&M, Mississippi State
Work to do: Kentucky"
After edging out Oklahoma 4-3 on Friday and following it up with an 8-5 victory Saturday, Kentucky baseball (27-20, 12-14 SEC) is now one win away from a crucial series sweep over the No. 14 Sooners (32-16, 13-13 SEC). With SEC Tournament positioning and NCAA hopes hanging in the balance, Nick Mingione's group has found timely offense and clutch relief pitching when it matters most. Sunday Kentucky looks to sweep the Sooners live on SEC Network+ on the ESPN+ App, link at the bottom to the stream. Seems to be like they are doing work.
Game 1: Wildcats Win Tight Friday Night Duel
Kentucky got the series started with a gritty 4-3 win in Game 1, thanks to a big third inning and shutdown bullpen work.
Cole Hage’s two-run homer—the 11th of his season—highlighted a four-run frame that was just enough to outlast Oklahoma. Luke Lawrence added an RBI double, while James McCoy contributed a run-scoring single.
On the mound, Jackson Nove (1-2) picked up the win in relief after replacing Nate Harris, who went 4.2 innings. Simon Gregersen locked it down with a tense ninth for his second save of the year.
Oklahoma’s Easton Carmichael tried to spark a comeback with a two-run blast in the third, but Kentucky’s staff stranded 10 Sooners on base to seal the deal.
Game 2: Schwartz, Herrera spark Saturday win
Saturday’s contest was a showcase of efficiency. Despite managing just five hits, Kentucky plated eight runs in an 8-5 win—taking advantage of wild Oklahoma pitching and timely hits.
Ryan Schwartz was the star of the night, going 3-for-3 with a triple, double, and four RBIs. Patrick Herrera tripled and drove in two more, while Kyuss Gargett added a sac fly and an RBI single in a five-run first that put Kentucky in control.
Starter Nic McCay went 5.2 innings, allowing five runs before turning it over to the bullpen. Evan Byers, Nile Adcock, and Ethan Walker kept the Sooners off the board the rest of the way.
Mudler’s two-run shot in the sixth cut the lead to 8-5, but Kentucky’s staff didn’t blink and walked away with the series win.
Sunday Sweep on the Line
The Wildcats haven’t swept a ranked SEC opponent all season. That could change today.
With their SEC record sitting at 12-14, a win would boost Kentucky’s standing significantly heading into the final week of the regular season. It would also provide momentum heading into their final conference series and could be a difference-maker for an NCAA at-large berth.
It’s not just about the bats or the arms anymore—it’s about belief. And right now, the Wildcats look like a team that believes after being down and out and a four game losing streak.
What’s Next:
Kentucky and Oklahoma wrap up the series Sunday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Watch live by clicking here and signing in to your ESPN account. A subscription is required either to ESPN+ or through a cable/TV provider.