Inclement weather has forced a schedule alteration for the Mississippi State and Kentucky baseball series this weekend. The originally scheduled Friday opener has been postponed.
The teams will now play a doubleheader on Saturday, May 3. Game 1 is set to begin at 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) at Dudy Noble Field. Game 2 will follow approximately 40 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Both contests are scheduled for nine innings.
Friday tickets will be honored for entry to the facility on Saturday. Priority for seating and premium areas will shift depending on the game. Only Saturday parking passes will be accepted for entry to parking areas.
Mississippi State enters the series under interim head coach Justin Parker. Chris Lemonis was relieved of his coaching duties earlier this week. Parker earned a win in his debut Tuesday against Memphis. The Mississippi State program won the College World Series in 2021 under Lemonis.
Both teams are navigating the conference schedule with potential postseason implications. Mississippi State is considered to be near the bubble for inclusion in the NCAA Tournament field. Kentucky is positioned more favorably in tournament projections, appearing as a No. 2 seed in a recent projection.
Mississippi State Baseball hitters have combined for a .305 team batting average. Key offensive performers include third baseman Gehrig Frei, third baseman Ace Reese, and DH Noah Sullivan. Kentucky's team batting average is .274. Outfielder Cole Hage leads UK hitters. Third baseman Patrick Herrera and shortstop Tyler Bell also perform at the plate. Kentucky's team ERA is 4.17.
Probable pitching matchups are set for the weekend series. Nate Harris is expected to start for Kentucky Saturday Game 1 against Pico Kohn for Mississippi State. Nic McCay is scheduled to pitch for Kentucky in Game 2 against Evan Siary. On Sunday, Ben Cleaver is slated to pitch for Kentucky against Karson Ligon.
Radio coverage for the series is available through the UK Sports Network. Darren Headrick will provide play-by-play. Coach Nick Mingione will join the pregame coverage.
