Delays, Storms and the Fight for a Spot in the NCAA Baseball Showdown

The first game of the UCF Knights’ run in the NCAA Tournament, set to face North Carolina State, was pushed back because of inclement weather. Plainsman Park had planned a 6 p. m. kickoff, but the start was shifted to 7:06 p. m. on May 29 as rain and thunderstorms threatened the area. The Knights are now out of sync with their planned schedule, and the outcome will decide who faces Milwaukee on Saturday.Milwaukee already stunned the home team earlier that afternoon with a 13‑8 win, though their game also had to pause for about half an hour after lightning was detected within eight miles. The National Weather Service warns that Auburn, Alabama, has a 70 % chance of evening rain. Showers and storms could arrive before 7 p. m. , with another possible storm between 7 and 10. Because of the weather, the tournament’s opening match will be delayed, adding uncertainty for both teams as they prepare to move forward.