OMAHA, Neb. — It was a historic win in more ways than one when the University of Kentucky baseball team beat North Carolina State University, 5-4, in the bottom of the 10th inning on Saturday.
Not only was this UK’s first-ever appearance in the College World Series, but it also marked the Wildcats’ 46th win of the season, setting a program record for a single campaign. The 2024 Wildcats enter the CWS tied with the 2012 club for the single-season record, with both teams boasting 45 wins.
But Kentucky’s opponent on Monday, Texas A&M, has had more success in the win department this season. Texas A&M is aiming for 50 wins in 2024, and its latest victory came in Saturday’s second game, a 3-2 win over Florida that finished after midnight Sunday.
clock:Follow Kentucky Baseball’s College World Series on Fubo (FREE TRIAL)
Neither the Wildcats nor the Aggies have backed down since the NCAA Tournament began, winning their respective regional and super regional tournaments and both entering Monday’s matchup with 6-0 records.
The winner of Monday’s game between Kentucky and Texas A&M has Tuesday off, but the loser will play in a consolation match on Tuesday against Florida, which beat N.C. State, 5-4, in its opener on Monday.
The Courier-Journal’s Ryan Black will be at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, and will provide live updates here and on X (formerly Twitter) during the game and a full report after the game. Follow him on X at Ryan Black.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 7th Inning: Texas A&M 5, Kentucky 0
The Aggies got three more hits, but pitcher Evan Byers held the Wildcats to five runs. UK got out of the jam with a double play to end the inning.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of the 6th Inning: Texas A&M 5, Kentucky 0
The Wildcats had the bases crowded as Ryan Waldschmidt walked and Emilian Pitre reached on a fielder’s choice, while Aggies second baseman Kayden Kent made a throwing error. But for UK, the game was over almost as soon as it began. Devin Burks hit third baseman Gavin Grahovac with the ball, who stepped on the base for the second out and then threw to first for the third out, completing the 5-3 double play.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 6th Inning: Texas A&M 5, Kentucky 0
The Aggies took the lead. Jace Laviolette walked, then Jackson Appel doubled. Hayden Schott then singled for two runs, both of whom scored. Texas A&M kept the momentum going after Mason Moore left the mound and was replaced by Cameron O’Brien. Ali Camarillo doubled and scored Schott. Camarillo’s base knock was helped by a misplay by UK right fielder James McCoy, but McCoy didn’t hit the ball deep and it went over his head. One batter later, Kayden Kent singled to add two more runs. O’Brien then struck out consecutive batters to finally end the inning.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of the 5th Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
UK had another hitless innings, failing to score through five innings.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 5th Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
The Aggies got another hit but did nothing more as Mason Moore continued to sing on his own.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of the 4th Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
Texas A&M starting pitcher Ryan Prager continues to pitch well, allowing no runs and holding UK hitless through four innings.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 4th Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
Mason Moore reached base on a walk but got into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of the 3rd Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
In the bottom of the third, the Cats couldn’t do anything, leading by three runs and out by three. Three scoreless innings in Omaha.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 3rd Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
Texas A&M star Jace Laviolette singled, but UK’s Mason Moore otherwise pitched a scoreless inning.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of 2nd Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
The inning started well for the Wildcats. Nick Lopez reached base on a throwing error. Mitchell Daly was then hit by a pitch. But with a runner on second and no outs, Kentucky couldn’t extend their lead. Like A&M in the top of the inning, Kentucky left two runners on base.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 2nd Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
Mason Moore had a tough inning, allowing a single and being hit by pitch, but he was able to get through the inning without allowing a run and leaving two A&M runners on base.
NCAA College World Series Bottom of the 1st Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
Texas A&M starter Ryan Prager matched Mason Moore’s performance with 1-2-3 innings of his own.
Kentucky pitcher Mason Moore’s web gem
Check out the video below to see some great defensive play from UK hurler Mason Moore at the start of Monday’s match.
NCAA College World Series Top of the 1st Inning: Kentucky 0, Texas A&M 0
UK starter Mason Moore pitched a quick 1-2-3 inning, with a highlight play right from the get-go, when he caught returning hitter Gavin Grahovac with his bare hands and threw to first base with one out.
What channel will the Kentucky vs Texas A&M game be on today?
The NCAA College World Series game between Kentucky and Texas A&M will be broadcast on ESPN.
Fubo lets you stream ESPN with a free trial here.
Walk away:UK’s Mitchell Daly hits a home run in the 10th inning to lead the team to a win over NC State in the 2024 College World Series.
Kentucky vs Texas A&M start time
The first pitch for Monday’s game in Omaha, Nebraska, is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Kentucky vs. Texas A&M predictions
Texas A&M 5, Kentucky 3: The Wildcats have continued to find ways to win since the NCAA Tournament began, but the Aggies will be their toughest test yet — and by a large margin. Texas A&M boasts a top-10 offense. and They boast a top-10 defense in numerous statistical categories. And when the Aggies hand the ball to superstar relief pitcher Evan Aschenbeck, the game is over. In 68 innings (29 appearances in 2024), he has allowed just 14 runs (12 earned). UK will likely get out to an early lead on Monday, but A&M will fight back and Aschenbeck will pull out another win.
listen:Catch Mitchell Daly’s College World Series-winning walk-off home run on UK Sport Radio
What did they say?Social media reacts to Daly’s overtime performance in UK’s CWS debut
Kentucky vs Texas A&M game location
All College World Series games will be played at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.
Kentucky vs Texas A&M lineup
Check out the starting lineups for both Kentucky and Texas A&M in the tweets embedded below.
Kentucky
Texas A&M
Kentucky Baseball Schedule 2024
Kentucky is 46-14 in 2024 and 22-8 in regular season SEC play. It was only the second time in the school’s history that they won the league regular season title.
Click here to see the Wildcats’ complete 2024 schedule.
Texas A&M Baseball Schedule 2024
Texas A&M is 50-13 and 19-11 in regular season SEC play, ranking second in the Western Division, one game behind Arkansas.
Click here to see the Aggies’ complete 2024 schedule.
Kentucky Baseball Team Roster
Want to see the Wildcats’ full roster?
Click here to find out about the UK baseball team for 2024.
Texas A&M Baseball Team
Want to know more about the Aggies roster?
For player biographies, click here.
College World Series schedule, tournament brackets and television information
All times are Eastern Standard Time
Friday, June 14
- Game 1: North Carolina 3, Virginia 2
- Game 2: Tennessee 12, Florida State 11
Saturday, June 15
Sunday, June 16
- Game 5: Florida State University 7, Virginia State University 3
- Game 6: Tennessee 6, North Carolina 1
Monday, June 17
Tuesday, June 18
Wednesday, June 19
Thursday, June 20
- Game 13 (if necessary): TBD vs TBD, 2 p.m., TBD channel
- Game 14 (if necessary): TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., TBD channel
CWS Championship Final Schedule 2024 (Best of 3 Series)
Saturday, June 22
Sunday, June 23
Monday, June 24
2024 College World Series Odds
- Tennessee: -105
- Texas A&M: +250
- Kentucky: +350
- Florida State University: +1700
- North Carolina: +2000
- Florida: +3500
- NC State University: +5000
Odds of Kentucky baseball winning the 2024 College World Series
Odds provided by BetMGM. Odds are updated as they become available.
Kentucky: According to BetMGM, the Wildcats have the third-best odds to win the College World Series at +350.
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Contact Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow @RyanABlack on X.