:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55162753/edtg.0.jpg)
It’s time for the ultimate rubber match. The Kentucky Wildcats will meet the Louisville Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville for the Super Regional, a best of three series that will end with one team punching their ticket to the College World Series in Omaha.
The Cats made things tough on themselves to get here, falling to N.C. State and forcing themselves into a position where they had to win three straight. But who doesn’t like a little excitement, right?
The Cats pulled off the three wins, including two of them coming against N.C. State to set up this rivalry showdown.
The Cards beat Radford, Oklahoma and Xavier in their own Regional to get them to this point.
Louisville is 50-10 this year. They played UK twice in the regular season, splitting the two games. Both teams protected home-field advantage, and the Cats were able to put up 11 runs on the Cardinals to beat them 11-7 in the second matchup.
Louisville’s player to watch is Brendan McKay. He’s hitting .356 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI. He also has a 9-3 pitching record and an ERA of 2.31.
As for Kentucky, we’re hoping to see freshman lefty Zack Thompson on the mound for one of the first two games. He went 8-2 in the regular season with a 3.52 ERA. He also pitched the third game of the Lexington Regional.
The Cats will take on Louisville at Noon ET on Friday. The game will be on ESPN2. Saturday’s game will also be at Noon on ESPN. Sunday’s game, if necessary, will be at Noon with TV info yet to come.
Louisville Super Regional: Kentucky (43-21) vs Louisville (50-10 and 32-4 at home)
When: Friday, June 9:
Game Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.
TV Channel: ESPN2
Online Stream: WatchESPN
Odds: According to Sportbet.com, Louisville is a 1.5-run favorite in Friday’s action.