There has been magic in the air every time Kentucky baseball takes the field. Whether it is pitching, hitting or fielding -- the Cats just find a way to get it done.
Kentucky showed that magic again with its first win in the College World Series came over NC State, a walk-off in extra innings.
After giving up the lead in the top of the ninth, Kentucky was down to its final out. But, it was a home run by Ryan Nicholson that tied the game, sending it to extras.
Then it was Mitchell Daly's turn as he will be forever remembered in Lexington, blasting a walk-off home run.
Not only was that a major moment for this program in the national perspective, it also gave UK the most single season wins in program history with 46. That is added to a program-record for SEC wins and road wins along with winning the second SEC Championship and the first-ever trip to the College World Series.
How has Kentucky been able to sustain this level of success? Keeping it simple and by focusing on the 'task at hand'.
"I was not surprised simply because this team has so many strengths," Kentucky coach Nick Mingione said following UK's win. "But the one thing — not the one thing, but one of their many qualities is their ability to focus on the task at hand and move on immediately."
46 wins doesn't come easily. It also doesn't come from one single player. It takes an entire roster, coaching staff and support system to do what the Wildcats have done this year.
Kentucky's last two games in the NCAA Tournament have been won by a single run. That's an ability to focus on the task at hand.
Go back to when Kentucky lost three of four heading into the NCAA Tournament. It was outscored by 16 runs, including two by 8+. The ability to bounce back and now be winners of six in a row -- all in the NCAA Tournament -- is extraordinary.
Now, it has the ability to keep pushing forward as it faces a 50-win team in Texas A&M. Texas A&M opened up the season on a 17-game win streak and is a perfect 31-0 against teams outside the SEC. They are led by multiple All-American pitchers, both starting and out of the bullpen.
The two teams take to the diamond on Monday night at 7 pm ET. Regardless of how Monday goes, Kentucky is ensured at least another game. But, Kentucky won't be thinking about anything other than -- again -- the 'task at hand'.
"This team, they have this unbelievable ability to just move on to the next thing, regardless, good or bad," Mingione added. "And when you’re able to do that and you can move on quicker, you’re able to do things like today."