UK Softball routs the Tigers to clinch series

Kentucky+Wildcats+designated+player+Rachael+Metzger+hits+a+double+in+the+second+inning+of+the+game+against+the+Florida+Gators+at+John+Cropp+Stadium+on+Saturday%2C+April+15%2C+2017+in+Lexington%2C+KY.+Photo+by+Addison+Coffey+%7C+Staff.

Kentucky Wildcats designated player Rachael Metzger hits a double in the second inning of the game against the Florida Gators at John Cropp Stadium on Saturday, April 15, 2017 in Lexington, KY. Photo by Addison Coffey | Staff.

Chase Campbell

On Saturday, No. 20 UK softball played the second game in its series with the Missouri Tigers after taking the first game the day before. The Cats clinched the series with their second win by steamrolling Missouri with a 4-0 win. This is the second straight series where the Cats have won a game by at least four runs.

The Cats flexed their muscles on both sides of the ball, racking up nine hits, while holding the Tigers to only three on the entire game. UK also committed no errors, which helped them on their way to continue making their case as a top-tier defensive team.

Abbey Cheek led the way for the Cats at the plate, netting two RBI, including a solo homerun in the sixth inning. Shortstop Katie Reed and right fielder Breanne Ray both had a single RBI each, as all three players continue to contribute offensively and cement themselves as the offensive trio that powers the Cats this season.

Pitcher Erin Rethlake also had a respectable day at the mound, getting her seventh win of the season while the Cats didn’t allow a single hit to go for extra bases. The Wildcat defense held the Tigers to a flimsy .130 batting average, while soaring above .300 when they were on the offensive.

With this series-clinching win, the Cats have cemented themselves in seventh place in the SEC, while forcing Missouri to drop to tenth. The teams were tied in the standings heading into this series. The Cats now elevate to 29-13, continuing to make a strong case for postseason selection.

A win tomorrow would give the Cats their 30th win on the season, as well as give them a .500 record in conference play. UK will be looking for a series sweep as they take the field at 1 p.m. Sunday.