Preview: Murray State Racers at Kentucky Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2026) (Interstat) — The red-hot Kentucky Wildcats (19-4) host the surging Murray State Racers (15-8) in a midweek, in-state non-conference baseball matchup Tuesday evening at Kentucky Proud Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with temperatures near 48 degrees.

The Wildcats, coming off a series loss at then-Mississippi, look to rebound before a pivotal Southeastern Conference road trip to LSU this weekend. Kentucky dropped the finale 12-9 on Saturday despite a powerful performance from outfielder Carson Hansen, who went 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Hansen is a key bat in a deep Wildcats lineup.

Murray State arrives riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping a weekend series from Valparaiso. The Racers won a wild 13-12 contest Sunday, powered by designated hitter Conner Cunningham, who went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs. Cunningham is hitting .462 (6 for 13) with a homer and four RBIs over his last three games.

On the mound, both teams are expected to use multiple pitchers in a bullpen game format common for midweek contests.

Kentucky holds a significant advantage in the all-time series, but the Racers have shown resilience this season, including a road win at Middle Tennessee last week.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kentucky 7, Murray State 5.

The Wildcats boast one of the nation’s best records and a potent offense, but the Racers’ recent offensive surge, led by Cunningham, could test Kentucky’s pitching depth. The game serves as a final tune-up for both clubs before conference play resumes Friday.

Kentucky travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU in an SEC series starting Friday. Murray State opens a Missouri Valley Conference series at Bradley on Friday.