Previewing NC State’s College World Series Opponent: #2 Seed Kentucky

#10 overall seed NC State will face #2 overall seed Kentucky in the first round of games of the 2024 College World Series. The first pitch will be thrown at 2pm, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. Before they take the field, here’s a preview of the Wildcats.

Kentucky is making their College World Series debut this weekend. They are 45-14, and they are currently tied for the most wins in a single season in school history (tying the 2012 team).

Nick Mingione is in his 8th year as the Wildcats Head Coach, and Perfect Game and NCBWA both honored him with their National Coach of the Year Award.

Kentucky won the regular season SEC title, but lost in pool play via double-elimination.

Senior Designated Hitter was named 1st Team All-SEC, leading the team with a .350 Batting Average. Junior Outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors, leading the team in OPS (1.107), with a Batting Average of .346 and 14 Home Runs.

Junior Infielder Emilien Pitre earned a spot on the All-SEC Defensive team, and was named 3rd Team All-American by Rawlings & ABCA.

Senior 1st Baseman Ryan Nicholson led the squad with 21 Home Runs, with a Batting Average of .299, and an OPS of 1.080.

Senior Trey Pooser will likely be the Starting Pitcher for the Wildcats tomorrow. He enters the game boasting a 7-1 record with 3.46 ERA, striking out 79 batters in 83.1 innings. In the postseason, Pooser has been untouchable, with a 3-0 record, and a 0.47 ERA.

Junior Mason Moore is the 2nd part of Kentucky’s 1-2 punch on the mound. Moore 9-3 with a 4.93 ERA.

Kentucky is 5-0 thus far in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, defeating Western Michigan, Illinois and Indiana State in the Regional Round, and swept #15 overall seed Oregon State in the Super Regionals.

The Wildcats only gave up 2 runs over two games against Beavers in the Super Regionals. Over their past 4 games in the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky has given up a total of 3 runs.