Cats, Wolfpack Set to Battle for Regional Title

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Kentucky and N.C. State have met twice in the NCAA Baseball Tournament’s Lexington Regional, with each team winning once. On Monday, the teams will meet in the rubber match at 7 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Super Regionals in Louisville later this week.

N.C. State (36-24) topped Kentucky 5-4 on Saturday night behind a huge pitching performance from Sean Adler. The lefty went seven and two-thirds innings, allowing just two earned runs and six hits while walking three and striking out five. Adler kept the potent Kentucky offense off balance all night on the way to his sixth win of the year.

But on Sunday night, Kentucky bounced back, scoring eight runs and recording 14 hits in an 8-6 win over the Wolfpack. Riley Mahan drove in a pair of runs and Marcus Carson hit a solo home run to lead the Cats to the win. Pitchers Brad Schaenzer, Chris Machamer and Logan Salow were solid on the mound for the Cats on Sunday. Machamer earned his second career victory, while Salow picked up his 12th save of the year, tying him with Trevor Gott for most saves in a season in UK history.

Now, the teams are set for the winner-take-all regional championship. Pitching will be an issue for both teams, as the bullpens for both the Cats and the Wolfpack have been extended in the regional.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. ET and the television assignment is to be determined.