In their first College World Series game in program history, the Kentucky Wildcats unleashed their flare for the dramatic in a 5-4, 10-inning opening-round win over NC State.
Down 4-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, graduate student first baseman Ryan Nicholson sliced an opposite-field home run over the left field wall to tie the game 4-4. It was Nicholson’s third hit of the game and his most important of the game. Kentucky put runners on first and third later in the ninth but couldn’t bring the winning run home.
After the first two batters were retired in the bottom of the 10th, senior third baseman Mitchell Daly powered a 1-2 pitch over the left field wall to win the game for Kentucky and a wild celebration at home plate.
The win moves Kentucky into the second round of the College World Series, where they will await the winner of Florida and Texas A&M. That game for the Wildcats will take place Monday, June 17th at 7 pm ET.
