Kentucky softball (12-4) defeated Indiana State (8-6) by a score of 8-0, completing its sweep of the Blues City Invitational.  

The Cats were led by freshman pitcher Hailey Nutter, who threw her second no-hitter of the season.  

Nutter started the game with two straight strikeouts against left fielder Morgan Goodrich, and shortstop Madison Poulson. Catcher Malory Chavez grounded out to make it a three-up, three-down inning. 

In the next inning, Nutter struck out first baseman Claire Connelly and designated hitter Addie Burns on the way to another flawless inning.   

In the top of the third, Nutter struck out the side. This was followed by yet another clean inning in the fourth after Nutter struck out both Goodrich and Chavez once again.   

Nutter finally lost her perfect game in the top of the fifth after an error by Kentucky second baseman Allie Blum. However, Nutter still did not give up a hit and struck out three more batters in the process.  

The game ended in the fifth inning due to the run-rule, but Nutter still qualified for the no-hitter. Nutter ended the afternoon with 12 strikeouts and the win. 

With this performance, Nutter is now the first Kentucky pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters in a season since 2016, when senior Kelsey Nunley also threw two. What makes this even more impressive is the fact that Nutter got both of her no-hitters before the end of February. 

Through eight appearances and six starts, Nutter leads the team in ERA (1.71), WHIP (0.71) and strikeouts (47). She has done all of this despite being a true freshman.  

The Cats’ pitching staff has taken a step forward lately, and Nutter has been the leader. Kentucky allowed just four runs in five games this weekend, and Nutter was a big contributor to that performance.  

The Cats’ pitching staff will look to keep the momentum going in their home opener as they host Michigan State on Friday, February 27, at 3 p.m. E.T.