Kentucky softball (10-4) gets a dominant win over Bradley (4-8) 7-3, with a solid outing from McKenzie Oslanzi.
The Wildcats so far have shown a much better performance this invitational, in comparison to their previous one. With an outstanding all-around performance against the Braves, the Wildcats extended their winning streak to four games.
So far undefeated during the Tennessee trip, Kentucky has carried its momentum from the Northern Illinois game into an early morning win to start its two-game slate.
Bradley got on the board first, but throughout the game couldn’t find a way to turn hits into runs. The Braves, while finishing with three runs off of 12 hits, also left 10 runners on base.
The Braves lineup had potential to cash-in runs plenty of times. Kierston McCoy, Olivia Turner and Austin Comstock were all big factors that made Kentucky starting pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi’s morning busy.
Oslanzi, the transfer from Eastern Illinois, had a decent outing while giving the Wildcats a chance to do their magic. She pitched five innings and allowed three runs off eight hits.
A common theme during this Tennessee trip so far is the defense for the Wildcats. With shutout wins over North Carolina A&T and Northern Illinois, the pitching rotation has been remarkable. Sarah Haendiges, Hailey Nutter and just recently Oslanzi have been taking care of business in the past three games.
The Wildcat’s offensive was explosive on every level this game. Head coach Rachel Lawson switched her lineup a little bit and made some in-game substitutions to explore the team’s strategy.
Left fielder Maddy Anson was moved up to the leadoff spot, and it might’ve been a decent decision. Anson went 2-4 adding to the monster game for Kentucky.
Utility player Allie Blum was placed at second base and had a two-hit outing while also recording an RBI. After this game, Blum currently sits at an average of .364.
It is still early in the season, but this is what this club needs to possibly have a decent year while in a competitive conference. Capitalizing on the basepaths and having decent performances from talented arms will be one of the biggest momentum drivers for the program for the rest of the season.
