The Kentucky Wildcats are charging into the 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament with fire in their eyes and a chip on their shoulder. With a 29–24 record and a No. 3 seed in the Clemson Regional, Kentucky is making its third consecutive regional appearance—a school record.
After a historic 2024 season that saw them reach the College World Series with a 39–12 record, the Wildcats are no strangers to defying expectations. But a late-season skid—dropping four straight games—has cast them as underdogs in a stacked regional hosted by No. 11 overall seed Clemson (44–16). They’ll face tough competition in West Virginia (41–14), South Carolina Upstate (36–23), and the host Tigers, who thrive on their home turf.
Key players like Devin Burkes, Cole Hage, and Ben Cleaver will need to shine in high-stakes matchups. Can Nick Mingione’s squad harness their resilience and speed to upset the field and advance to the Super Regionals?
Kentucky Wildcats: Season Snapshot and Key Players
Team overview
Kentucky’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster, finishing 29–24 with the nation’s ninth-ranked strength of schedule and a No. 38 RPI. Despite a first-round SEC Tournament loss to Oklahoma, the Wildcats earned an at-large NCAA bid.
- Team Batting Average: .268
- Home Runs: 52
- Stolen Bases: 122
- Team ERA: 4.51
- Fielding Percentage: .975
After last season’s College World Series run, this marks Kentucky’s third straight regional—a milestone that has never been accomplished in school history.
Kentucky’s standout stars
Devin Burkes, C:
Nicknamed “the heart and soul of the Bat Cats,” Burkes (.225, 5 HR, 12 SB) provides unmatched leadership in his fifth year. His mother, Denise Woodall, says, “Nothing is given,” a mantra Burkes carries with him behind the plate he told LEX18 earlier this year.
Cole Hage, OF:
Leads the team with a .317 average, 12 home runs, 1.028 OPS, and 14 steals. A consistent offensive spark plug.
Ben Cleaver, P:
Owns a 6–3 record with a 3.39 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 77 innings. He anchors the pitching rotation.
Tyler Bell, IF:
Batting .306 with 10 home runs, Bell adds power to the lineup but must cut down on strikeouts (55). Read more about Tyler Bell getting an invite to USA baseball here.
Clemson Regional Opponents: Breakdowns and matchups
Clemson Tigers: The Host Powerhouse
Record: 44–16 (18–12 ACC)
Home Record: 30–6
Clemson enters as the No. 1 seed in the region and 11th seed overall in the national bracket, boasting a balanced offense and a strong bullpen. They hit .279 with 76 home runs and 68 stolen bases.
- Pitching: 4.76 ERA
- Aidan Knaak (8–1, 4.06 ERA, 106 K)
- Lucas Mahlstedt (3–0, 2.18 ERA, 15 saves)
- Defense: .973 fielding percentage
Key Players:
- Cam Cannarella, CF: .344 AVG, 3 HR, 6 SB
- Jacob Jarrell, C: .266 AVG, 15 HR
- Aidan Knaak, P: 106 strikeouts in 84.1 IP
Key Matchup:
Cole Hage vs. Aidan Knaak
Hage’s discipline at the plate and base-stealing prowess could disrupt Knaak’s rhythm. Clemson must keep Kentucky’s speed in check to maintain control.
What to Watch:
Clemson’s bullpen vs. Kentucky’s running game
Kentucky’s ability to strike early—falling behind could be deadly
West Virginia Mountaineers: Kentucky’s First Test
Record: 41–14 (19–9 Big 12)
A powerful No. 2 seed, West Virginia hits .297 with 58 home runs and 97 stolen bases.
- Pitching: 4.50 ERA
- Griffin Kirn (5–2, 3.32 ERA, 92 K)
- Reese Bassinger (6–1, 4.20 ERA, 5 saves)
- Defense: .972 fielding percentage
Key Players:
- Kyle West, LF: .354 AVG, 10 HR, 1.128 OPS
- Sam White, DH: .353 AVG, 4 HR
- Griffin Kirn, P: 92 strikeouts in 86.2 IP
Key Matchup:
Ben Cleaver vs. Kyle West
Cleaver must limit West’s extra-base power. If Kentucky’s defense stays sharp, they can contain West Virginia’s speed game.
What to Watch:
Kentucky must strike early and avoid bullpen fatigue
Devin Burkes’ defense will be key in controlling WVU’s 97 stolen bases
South Carolina Upstate Spartans: The Dark Horse
Record: 36–23 (19–5 Big South)
USC Upstate boasts a potent offense but struggles on the mound.
- Batting Average: .313
- Home Runs: 81
- Stolen Bases: 77
- Pitching ERA: 5.66
- Fielding Percentage: .969
Key Players:
- Johnny Sweeney, DH: .351 AVG, 17 HR, 1.206 OPS
- Scott Campbell, RF: .400 AVG, 11 HR, 21 SB
- Amp Phillips, P: 7–2, 3.58 ERA, 72 K
Key Matchup:
Devin Burkes vs. Scott Campbell
Burkes must manage Upstate’s speed on the basepaths while leading Kentucky’s small-ball attack.
What to Watch:
Kentucky should exploit Upstate’s weak defense and bullpen
Look for Tyler Bell and Luke Lawrence (6 SAC flies) to play key offensive roles
Conclusion and Prediction
Kentucky enters the Clemson Regional with dangerous tools:
- 480 strikeouts from the pitching staff
- .975 team fielding percentage
- 122 stolen bases—among the nation’s best
- Getting on base with HBP
Devin Burkes, dubbed “the happiest man in college baseball,” embodies the heart of this team. But challenges loom, especially Clemson’s home-field dominance and Kentucky’s late-season struggles.
Prediction:
Kentucky defeats West Virginia and South Carolina Upstate behind strong pitching and relentless speed. But Clemson’s depth and home advantage prove too much in the final. The Bat Cats fall just short—but not without a fight.
What do you think? Can Kentucky shock the Tigers and make another deep run?