Prince throws third no-hitter in UK’s rout over NKU
UK pitcher, 5, Meagan Prince, led the Cats to their shutout victory. Photo by Kalyn Bradford | Staff
March 22, 2016
No. 12 UK softball’s pitching dominance continued into the first ever matchup against Northern Kentucky, where junior Meagan Prince became the first player in UK softball history to throw three no-hitters in one season.
Coming into the game a perfect 11-0 record, Prince extended her win total to 12 in just 14 appearances on the mound. In five innings, she struck out three batters, allowed no hits, and managed zero walks. With the shutout, she improves her season ERA to a career-best 1.38.
Prince dominated at the mound, but the UK offense was no slouch either, posting nine runs on the day.
Freshman Katie Reed got the scoring barrage started early, crossing home plate on a Brooklin Hinz groundout to give UK a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Reed would then extend the lead to three runs in the bottom of the second after hitting a two-run RBI shot past the pitcher to score Nikki Sagermann and Rachael Metzger.
Senior Sylver Samuel led the way with a perfect outing, managing three hits on three plate appearances and two runs, raising her season average to a remarkable 0.434.
In the third inning, Samuel came through with one of her three hits on the day to get on base, and proceeded to score on an Abbey Cheek single to push the lead to 5-0.
Samuel’s hot bat continued into the bottom of the fifth, as she managed to get on base and eventually score on a Cheek double. UK would eventually end the game on a walk-off two run homer by junior Breanne Ray, her first of the season.
Ray’s home run was just one of 11 hits on the day, including seven different batters with at least one hit.
UK’s offense has been more than impressive all season long, as six starters in the batting rotation are hitting over 0.300 on the year, and several others aren’t far behind in the mid-0.200’s.
Tuesday’s victory pushes No. 12 UK’s record to a program best 26-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
The No. 12 Wildcats will look to finish off their home stand at John Cropp Stadium on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET in an in-state battle against Murray State.