For the second game in a row, Kentucky softball (16-6, 2-0 SEC) defeated Missouri (11-12, 0-2 SEC) with a final score of 5-4. This gave the Wildcats a 2-0 series lead in their conference opening series.
The game took place at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington on Saturday, March 8.
It wasn’t until the top of the second inning that the first run was scored by Missouri’s Taylor Ebbs. Ebbs was able to score off Stefania Abruscato’s single to centerfield. It wasn’t long after until Kentucky was able to respond.
Kentucky’s Cassie Reasner homered one to right center field, which would bring in Ally Hutchins, who had previously singled to left field to start the bottom of the second inning. After that sequence, the Wildcats would take a 2-1 lead going into inning number three.
After a no-score third and early fourth inning, Hutchins hit a home run in the first at bat in the bottom of the fourth.
On deck was Reasner, who took advantage of the previous play and was able to hit a single through the left side. With Reasner on first base, Emory Donaldson decided to bunt. This resulted in a ground out, but advanced Reasner to second. On the next play, Reasner advanced to third base off a wild pitch from Missouri.
Allie Blum was able to hit a home run to left field. This was a two-run shot as both Blum and Reasner were able to score. The Wildcats ended the fourth inning with a 5-1 lead.
With all momentum in favor of the Wildcats, Missouri needed a significant run to decrease its deficit.
The fifth inning had started out tremendously for the Tigers as Claire Cahalan, and Madison Walker were both able to get on base from their hits. Cahalan singled to left, Walker singled to right.
Ebbs, who had previously scored the Tigers’ first run, drove the ball to deep left center field for a three-run shot. This shortened the Wildcat lead to just one run. The score was 5-4.
The Wildcats failed to score in the bottom of the fifth, but their defense held firm to close out the victory and stop Missouri’s comeback attempt.
Reasner, Kentucky’s shortstop, led the team with two runs on the afternoon, while Hutchins, the Wildcats’ third baseman, also scored twice. Both players recorded a home run.
Reasner also led in RBI with two, while Hutchins contributed one.
Kentucky utilized four pitchers in Saturday’s game: Sydney Langdon, Julie Kelley, Carson Fall and Sarah Haendiges.
The Wildcats return to action on Sunday, March 9, aiming to complete the series sweep against Missouri. The first pitch at John Cropp Stadium is set for 4:30 p.m. ET.
