The Kentucky Wildcats walked away from Athens with more than just a series loss. They left Foley Field with an undeniable truth — their pitching has to be better. Much better.
In a brutal three-game SEC-opening series against the fourth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky’s pitchers were lit up for a staggering 12, 7, and 17 runs. The series finale, a 17-10 loss, perfectly showcased Kentucky’s struggles on the mound.
Pitching Breakdown: A Nightmare in Athens
Kentucky used a whopping nine pitchers against Georgia in the series finale. Starter Ethan Walker lasted just 2.1 innings, giving up five earned runs on three hits and two walks. It didn’t get much better from there.
Evan Byers, Nile Adcock, Simon Gregersen, Jackson Nove, Tristan Hunter, Hayden Smith, Zak Spurrier, and Cole Hentschel all made appearances. Of those relievers, Gregersen suffered the worst fate, allowing four runs (three earned) in two innings of work.
By the time the dust settled, Kentucky’s staff had surrendered 15 hits and 16 earned runs while walking nine and striking out eight. They plunked three Bulldogs in the process, including red-hot Robbie Burnett, who went 4-for-4 with five RBIs and a home run.
Georgia's Offensive Onslaught
Georgia’s hitters feasted all weekend, but the finale was an all-you-can-eat buffet. Robbie Burnett, Ryland Zaborowski, and Tre Phelps were relentless. Burnett’s three-run bomb in the third inning punctuated a seven-run frame that put Kentucky in a hole they couldn't climb out of.
Henry Hunter joined the party with two home runs, and Kolby Branch added another. Altogether, the Bulldogs launched four homers, continually punishing Kentucky’s pitching staff for every mistake.
Wildcats’ Offensive Fight
To Kentucky’s credit, the bats didn’t lay down. The Wildcats put up 10 runs on nine hits, including homers from Luke Lawrence, Cole Hage, and Devin Burkes. Lawrence’s three-run shot in the first inning gave Kentucky a brief glimmer of hope.
Shaun Montoya and Griffin Cameron each had two-hit games, while Hudson Brown drew three walks and scored a run. The offense showed resilience but was ultimately overwhelmed by the barrage coming from Georgia’s bats.
Time to Regroup
Kentucky (14-4, 1-2 SEC) will need to figure things out quickly. The SEC gauntlet doesn’t wait for anyone, and a 1-2 start in conference play could spiral quickly if the pitching doesn’t tighten up.
They’ll have a chance to regroup today against Murray State at 6:30 p.m. in Lexington. It’s a game they should win comfortably, but that won’t matter if their arms continue to struggle.
Currently 8 of 19 pitchers on the staff have an ERA over 4.00, and that simply will not cut it.
- James McCoy - 4.50
- Ethan Walker - 6.43
- Simon Gregersen - 7.04
- Evan Byers - 7.71
- Bradley Ferrell - 9.00
- Nile Adcock - 10.12
- Robert Hogan - 13.50
- Zak Spurrier - 13.50
What’s clear is that Kentucky has the offensive firepower to hang with just about anyone. But unless their pitchers step up, all those runs will be for nothing. Same thing happened last year and that ended Kentucky's chances at a National Title. Mingione and staff have to get it cleaned up.
Can They Bounce Back?
The Wildcats’ pitching staff has to turn the page and lock in before their SEC slate digs a deeper hole. Georgia made it painfully obvious where Kentucky’s weaknesses lie. The question is, how quickly can they fix them?
Tonight’s game against Murray State, airing on SEC Network+ via the ESPN app, may provide a much-needed confidence boost. But it’ll take more than that to prepare for the unforgiving battles ahead.