3 players who could help Nick Mingione keep his championship hopes alive ft. Émilien Pitre 

Nick Mingione's Kentucky Wildcats are among the last teams in the College World Series. The Wildcats have been impressive this season and will be a hard nut to crack.

However, it's the CWS; any team can thrive in double-elimination. Here are three players who could help head coach Nick Mingione keep his championship hopes alive.

3 players who could help Nick Mingione keep his championship hopes alive

#1. Émilien Pitre, Second Baseman

Émilien Pitre is considered a top 10 second baseman in Division 1 NCAA baseball. The Canadian-born star has many accolades from his time with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Pitre is a 2023 All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honoree, a 2023 SEC All-Defensive Team member and a 2023 Academic All-District. In 2024, he has a batting average of .298 and an OPS of .927 while recording nine home runs and 56 RBIs.

His penchant to rack up multiple hits in games could be a major boost to Mingione's side's chances in Omaha.

#2. Nick Lopez, First Baseman

Nick Lopez plays the game the right way, and he has quickly become a solid part of Mingione's roster. Lopez shone in Santa Ana College before making the transfer to Kentucky.

The graduate assistant appeared in 109 career games before his move to Kentucky. Hence, his experience should serve the Wildcats well in a stacked College World Series field. Lopez has a .350 batting average and an OPS of .960 while hitting six home runs and 50 RBIs.

#3. Devin Burkes, Catcher

Devin Burkes was the Most Outstanding Player at the 2023 Lexington Regional. Burkes led the Wildcats in doubles and was second in home runs in 2023.

He has carried on his exquisite form into a productive 2024 season, with a .250 batting average and an OPS of .758. He has also hit three home runs and 35 RBIs so far this season. Mingione will likely turn to Burkes during the 2024 College World Series.

Kentucky Wildcats' College World Series schedule

The No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats are up against North Carolina State in the first round of the College World Series. Mingione and Co. will fancy their chances against an NC State team that finished the regular season with a 33-20 record.

Here's what you need to know about the upcoming matchup in Omaha:

• Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
• Livestream: ESPN+ and FuboTV
• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• TV: ESPN
• Venue: Omaha