Kentucky falls to West Virginia 13-12 in Clemson Regional Final

[Matt Dillon]

Kentucky’s season came to an end on Sunday night as it fell to No. 2 seed West Virginia 13-12 in the Clemson Regional Final. The ‘Cats finish the season with a 31-26 record, clinching a 30-win season for the fourth consecutive year.

A solo home run from Devin Burkes in the top of the eighth inning gave Kentucky a 12-7 advantage, but West Virginia scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to steal the win.

Nick Mingione’s program lost seven of its nine offensive players, its entire starting rotation and multiple bullpen pieces from the 2024 Men’s College World Series team. The goal this season was always to make an NCAA Tournament Regional, and winning a game was a plus. The future is bright for a returning core of shortstop Tyler Bell, utility piece Ryan Schwartz, left-handed pitcher Ben Cleaver and first baseman Hudson Brown.

Kentucky falls to West Virginia 13-12 in Clemson Regional Final​

[CATHYnKY]

So bummed 😢

[Matt Dillon]

So bummed 😢

Considering what they lost, from last year's team, I guess it wasn't a bad season.

[Lighthouse]

I think they had an OK season, especially on offense, but as usual our bullpen let us down. In fact, in the ninth inning last night we walked in another run. I hope several of our pitchers stay around.

[EKYCat]

I don't follow college baseball but did check the score once or twice. Sounds like they just flat blew it.

[Lighthouse]

We need pitching, or an Asst. coach who can develop pitchers. We scored 28 runs in our last 2 games, but gave up 17. It's not our defense, we only had 3 errors in those games so it has to be pitching or lack of it.

[EKYCat]

Ahead 12-7 going to Bot 8 -- Give up 6 runs and lose. That stinks out loud.