Kentucky and Clemson to clash in Clemson Regional eliminator

For the second consecutive game, Kentucky’s season will be on the line inside Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

On Saturday, the ‘Cats outscored USC Upstate 4-0 over the final 3 1/3 innings to break their five-game losing streak with a 7-3 win. It looked as if Clemson had all the momentum in the world to hold off West Virginia once it took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning, but the Tigers collapsed and allowed four Mountaineer runs to score in the top of the ninth en route to a 9-6 loss.

The winner of Sunday’s noon game will go on to face No. 2 seed West Virginia Sunday night at 6:00 pm EST. If Clemson/Kentucky wins, they’ll go to a winner take all matchup on Monday. If West Virginia wins, the Mountaineers will head to a Super Regional for the second consecutive season (first time in program history).

Clemson Tigers (45-17)

Clemson opened the Clemson Regional with a 7-3 win over USC Upstate, but fell to West Virginia 9-6 on Saturday.

It had four players selected to All-ACC Teams in sophomore right-handed pitcher Aidan Knaak (First Team), senior right-handed pitcher Lucas Mahlstedt (First Team), junior outfielder Cam Cannarella (Second Team) and sophomore DH Collin Priest (Third Team). Mahlstedt however surrendered the lead to the Mountaineers in relief, but Cannarella has definitely lived up to the hype.

Clemson’s starting center fielder had a stellar game against WVU, as he went 4-5 at the plate with a double, a home run and three RBI. He’ll be the player to look out for the most on Sunday.

Although it has made the Men’s College World Series 12 different times, its last appearance came back in 2010. Since then, the Tigers have made 11 Tournament appearances with 10 Regional losses. They made the Clemson Super Regional (first time since 2010) last season, but were bounced in two games by Florida.

Kentucky Wildcats (30-25)

Kentucky is getting really good offensive play from first baseman James McCoy and second baseman Luke Lawrence right now, as the duo combined for five of Kentucky’s eight hits on Saturday. McCoy extended his hitting streak to eight games, and Lawrence has recorded three hits in two of his prior three games.

The ‘Cats however were without All-SEC Freshman shortstop Tyler Bell on Saturday, as he took a foul ball off the kneecap in Friday’s matchup with West Virginia and was visibly injured. Head coach Nick Mingione provided an update on Bell following the win over USC Upstate on Saturday.

“He was sore,” Mingione said. “He was able to get some swings off but it was one of things where I told Tyler this… his health is more important than any baseball game and I need to protect Tyler Bell from Tyler Bell.”

It is currently unknown whether or not Bell will be back in the starting lineup on Sunday. He was available to pinch-hit on Saturday, but never entered the game.

Freshman right-handed pitcher Nate Harris will likely get the start for Kentucky on Sunday. Harris, who replaced Ethan Walker in the starting rotation back in early April, boasts a 4-2 record with a 4.22 ERA in 53 1/3 innings pitched this season. He however is coming off a tough start against Vanderbilt, where he allowed seven hits and five earned runs in just four innings.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Clemson leads 6-3

Probable Starters

Sunday, June 1, 2025 (Doug Kingsmore Stadium – 12:00 p.m. EST) ESPN+
UK: RHP Nate Harris (4-2, 4.22 ERA, 55.1) vs CLEM: LHP Talan Bell (0-1, 3.98, 20.1 IP)

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