Kentucky Offense Firing On All Cylinders: Cats Stay Undefeated

Kentucky softball won both games in their doubleheader Saturday to stay undefeated on the season. The Wildcats showed great offensive versatility which they will hope to continue tomorrow when they face off against #8 Duke to conclude the weekend. UK is now 4-0 to start the season with all four wins coming in the NFCA Lead-Off Classic in Clearwater, FL.

Cats (Run) Rule

Kentucky began the day run-ruling Morgan State 12-0 in five innings, marking the 600th career win for head coach Rachel Lawson. The Wildcats got huge performances from freshman pitcher Julie Kelley and sophomore right fielder Peyton Plotts to secure the victory.

Kelley pitched five innings, producing a shutout in her freshman debut on the mound. She gave up two hits and had four strikeouts on the day. Kentucky has shut out two of their first three opponents this year.

Lawson mentioned on media day that she was feeling great about the Wildcats’ pitching circle. So far, they have not disappointed.

The 5th inning was the game-changer for Kentucky. The Wildcats scored nine runs, largely due to Plotts’s great day at the plate. She was 4-4 on the day, racking up a home run, two doubles (both in the 5th), and four RBIs. 

BIG BLUE BOMB! 💣

Peyton Plotts hits her 1st HR of the year!!

3-0, Mid 3rd pic.twitter.com/NrCakm2TxV

— Eleanor Beavin (@EBeavinKSR) February 8, 2025

Ally Hutchins chimed in as well with two singles and three RBIs in the game. Karissa Hamilton was phenomenal behind the plate, throwing two runners out and captaining a young pitcher through the entire game.

Another Game, Another Run Rule

Kentucky ended the doubleheader with a 13-3 win over Southern Miss, their second run-rule of the day and third on the season.

Kentucky was off to the races from the jump, scoring four runs in the 1st inning. Peyton Plotts came up big again, hitting a line drive to left field that scored two runs. She finished the day going 6-8 at the plate with 8 RBIs.

Even after the slow start, Southern Miss did not back down. They pulled the score to 5-3 by the 2nd inning, until the combination of Sarah Haendiges and Cassie Reasner came in clutch for the Wildcats.

Haendiges went in to pitch for Kentucky in the 3rd inning where she struck out two batters. She finished the game for the ‘Cats with five strikeouts and zero earned runs. Reasner smoked a 3-run home run in the 4th inning to pull Kentucky away 8-3, and they never looked back.

Sarah Haendiges took over the mound in the 3rd. She struck out two batters.

5-3, Top 4th pic.twitter.com/eCBubRrN9k

— Eleanor Beavin (@EBeavinKSR) February 8, 2025

Kentucky went on to score five more runs in the 5th, ending the game on a run rule. The Wildcats hit at a .533 clip for the game.

Looking Ahead

Kentucky will play against the 8th-ranked Duke Blue Devils on Sunday at 11 a.m. EST. A win for the Wildcats would be a huge early upset, increasing their chances of making the NCAA Tournament down the road.