This is the second-straight year that Kentucky baseball has reached the Super Regionals and a main reason why is the fans.
Not in terms of their support, because that has always been there. But in terms of the support of the entire university. For Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione, he understands the importance of their fans.
"We've always said that the path to Omaha, the easiest path is through your home field. And we're, again, for the third time in seven seasons we're two wins away, and it's going to take a total team effort," Mingione said after their Regional win. "It's going to take the BBN to show up just like they did regardless of the weather. That was amazing."
Now, Kentucky turns the page to Oregon State and its series beginning on Saturday. In a best-of-three series, games are Saturday night, Sunday night and then potentially Monday night -- if necessary.
While Mingione understands the start times on a school night or weeknight aren't always ideal, he gave a fiery speach to Big Blue Nation.
Mingione joined KSR this week and spoke directly to the fans.
"I know the kids have to go to bed, but we are intersted -- we are more concerned about giving them experiences," Mingione said. "A kid at 11 or 12 o'clock at night will remember that baseball game more than staring at the back of their eyeballs in a bed on a random Sunday June 9.
"So Big Blue Nation, let's give our guys and kids an experience they will never forget."
First pitch is set for 6:00 pm on Saturday and then 9:00 pm on Sunday.
This one gave me chills….@Coach_Mingione isn't worried about the late start on Sunday night for the Wildcats. In fact, he had a special message for Big Blue Nation! pic.twitter.com/JPXLItxGN5
— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) June 6, 2024