In the series finale between Texas A&M and Kentucky, tensions flared after the game ended prematurely due to a travel curfew. The curfew meant no new inning could begin after 4:30 p.m. CT, and with Kentucky leading 10-5 in the bottom of the 8th, the Wildcats appeared to stall intentionally to ensure the game concluded before the deadline. Texas A&M coach Michael Earley was visibly upset by Kentucky’s tactics, leading to a heated exchange with UK coach Nick Mingione. After Kentucky recorded the final out, securing a 10-5 victory in 8 innings, the two coaches were seen shouting from their dugouts. However, the postgame handshake line remained cordial.
In his postgame comments, Earley expressed that he might have considered having an Aggie batter intentionally strike out to buy more time for a 9th inning, giving his team a chance to rally before the 4:30 deadline. The win allowed Kentucky to improve to 17-9 overall and 4-5 in SEC play, marking their first conference series victory of the season. Meanwhile, Texas A&M fell to 13-14 overall and 1-8 in SEC competition.
