Kentucky Softball Gets Drilled by Tennessee 10-2 on Saturday
Kentucky Softball (25-12-1, 7-7 SEC) was back at it again on Saturday at noon to take on the top 10 ranked Tennessee Volunteers (33-5, 12-2 SEC). After a heartbreaking extra innings loss on Friday night, the Wildcats looked to bounce back and get their revenge.
Offense was an issue for both teams in the first meeting. That was not the case in round two.
Cats give the Vols an early lead
The Vols got the party started as Kennedy Sullivan geared up to pitch for the Cats. After being unlucky on offense the day before, Tennessee came out and flipped the script on Saturday knocking in three runs in the top of the first. Although Sullivan struggled at first, she remained composed to get the game’s first strikeout and send her squad on offense.
Unfortunately the offense was not there for Kentucky. The score remained 3-0 as the Vols held the early lead going into the second.
The top of the second started strong for the Cats as Sullivan recorded another strikeout to get Kentucky its first out. However, things went downhill fast as UK gave up two more runs in the top of the inning as Tennessee’s lead increased to 5-0. The Vols looked strong on both sides of the field as they were able to hold Kentucky to no runs scored after two frames.
Struggles on offense continue
A pitching change was made by Kentucky in the top of the third. Taylor Hess made her way to the mound. Hess logged two strikeouts and a throw out courtesy of graduate student and UK star Kayla Kowalik. That allowed the Wildcats to get out of the third without any damage.
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Kentucky was still having a lackluster performance from the plate Tennessee held a 5-0 lead going into the fourth after blanking UK again. In the top of the fourth, the Vols were having a phenomenal offensive showing as they were able to tack on three more runs taking a commanding 8-0 lead.
Cats see some offense but not enough
Starting on the plate at the bottom of the fourth was Kayla Kowalik who proved to be the steady hand of the team as she hammered a ball into left field for a double. Vanessa Nesby and Erin Coffel then reached safely to load the bases. Karissa Hamilton beamed one to center field that was able to fall and bring Kowalik in to give Kentucky their first run of the game.
Kentucky was able to drive in one more run, but it was not enough as the Vols scored two more in the top of the fifth to end the game early due to the mercy-rule.
The outing was a disappointing display from Kentucky as the Cats got down early and could not get themselves out of the deep hole. Game 3 is scheduled for tomorrow.
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