Off the bank of the mighty Missouri River, in the heart of America, Kentucky Baseball kicked off the 2024 College World Series in a way that will be etched in the annals of baseball history. In a nail-biting showdown, Mitchell Daly emerged as the unexpected hero, delivering a walk-off that sent NC State packing with two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Despite the pressure of being first-timers, Kentucky Baseball demonstrated their mastery of the game by sticking to their tried and tested strategy of playing small ball. This approach paid off, leading them to a historic win in their first-ever College World Series game.

Kentucky started the game against the Wolfpack with a 1-0 lead in the first inning, only to see that advantage slip away in the top half of the third. Undeterred, they rallied in the fourth inning, with Nolan McCarthy’s two-run shot propelling them to a 3-1 lead. Despite NC State’s best efforts, the Wildcats refused to back down, tying the game in the 7th and reclaiming the lead in the top half of the 9th inning. James McCoy’s solo shot in the 9th sent the game into extra innings, a testament to the Wildcats’ unwavering spirit.

From the solo shot from James McCoy to the extra innings, Mitchell Daly sent Kentucky over the finish line, where the Wildcats will meet the Texas A&M Aggies on Monday night.

Despite winning, Kentucky Baseball remains one of the most humble and genuine teams in College World Series history. Sure, the Wildcats are through the roof about winning, but they remain humble yet hungry to continue their stay in Omaha with a win over the Aggies on Monday night. A win over Texas A&M on Monday would put the Wildcats one win away from competing for a National Championship.

This Kentucky Baseball run is impressive because the Wildcats are a perfect 6-0 in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky ran through the Lexington Regional, swept Oregon State in the Super Regional, and walked off NC State on Saturday afternoon.

Kentucky and Texas A&M will play the late game on Monday night in an all-SEC College World Series battle.