LEXINGTON, Ky. — If Kentucky is to reach its first super regional in school history, it’ll have to do so from the losers’ bracket. NC State defeated UK 5-4 on Saturday night in front of a Cliff Hagan Stadium record 4,472 fans.
The Wildcats rallied late after Evan White hit a solo home run in the 9th inning to trim the lead to 5-4, but NC State closer Austin Staley recorded the final two outs to end the game.
Here are the main storylines.
-Three-run 5th inning for NC State the difference. It was hard to tell whether Marcus Carson misjudged the ball in centerfield or he didn’t get there in time, but a two-out triple off the bat of Evan Mendoza gave NC State a 4-2 lead in the 5th inning. Andy Cosgrove singled after that to score Mendoza and make it 5-2.
-Sean Adler brilliant in relief. It counts as a relief appearance, but lefthanded pitcher Sean Adler entered the game after just one out. UK loaded the bases against starter Michael Bienlien with one out in the first inning. NC State coach Elliott Avent went to Adler, who minimized the damage by getting a sacrifice fly from Riley Mahan.
Adler allowed a home run to Tristan Pompey to leadoff the third inning, but the Wildcats’ hitters had a tough time figuring him out after that. He sat down eight straight batters in the middle of the game. UK rallied for a run in the seventh inning when Mahan singled home Evan White. Adler retired the side in order in the eighth inning and gave way to NC State closer Austin Staley.
Adler allowed six hits in 7.2 innings, two earned runs, walked three and struck out five on 122 pitches.
-UK missed opportunities to score early. After Pompey homered to leadoff the 3rd inning, White and Zach Reks both singled to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Luke Becker bunted and Mahan walked to load the bases, but the Wildcats didn't capitalize. Troy Squires flew out to shallow centerfield and Tyler Marshall struck out to end the inning.
The Wildcats left seven runners on base through the first four innings. UK was just 1-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position for the game.
UK will play Indiana at 1 p.m. in an elimination game on Sunday.
