Kentucky Softball beats Mississippi State 7-3 to open final home series

No. 14 Kentucky Softball (32-14; 10-9 SEC) took down Mississippi State (30-20; 8-11 SEC) to kick off their final home series of the season.

After a huge win against Northern Kentucky earlier in the week, the ‘Cats are back in SEC play for a three-game series against the Bulldogs this weekend.

😍 We love Friday night dubs 😍#WeAreUK x #BeTheStandard pic.twitter.com/mAOd4RKQys

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) April 30, 2022

Mississippi State quickly led the ‘Cats 3-0 in the first inning due to errors, but that lead did not hold long. Kentucky remained scoreless throughout the second inning before coming alive in the third.

After a challenge from coach Rachel Lawson, umpires reversed a call for Mississippi State and got momentum going for the ‘Cats. Kentucky closed the gap and came up with two runs quickly off of Mississippi State errors.

Senior Renee Abernathy got things going for the ‘Cats with a home run, her second of the season. Abernathy’s homer put the ‘Cats on top for good, 4-3, in the third.

The fifth inning was full of offensive successes for the ‘Cats with sophomore Erin Coffel landing a triple, a RBI from junior Miranda Stoddard, a double for junior Emmy Blane, and a wild pitch that gave the ‘Cats their largest lead of the night. Kentucky elevated their lead to 7-3.

Mississippi State had yet to score since the first inning and would fail to score for the remainder of the game. Senior Tatum Spangler kept the Bulldogs off of home plate in the sixth. Shethrew a complete game and had two strikeouts, only giving up three hits with no earned runs.

Kentucky is coming off of a sweep by Missouri, their first three-game SEC sweep since 2019. This win moves UK to 10-9 in SEC play and 32-14 overall.

The ‘Cats will continue their series with the Bulldogs Saturday on Senior Day at John Cropp Stadium, where Kentucky will honor four seniors before the game. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. EST.