Kentucky Softball Winless in SEC Series Against No. 14 Arkansas
Kentucky softball had a poor showing in Fayetteville over the weekend, getting swept by No. 14 Arkansas. Now halfway through SEC play, the Wildcats currently sit at 5-7 (21-15 overall) with three more ranked opponents left to play.
Game One
The series between the Cats and Hogs on Friday started very troublesome. Right off the bat, Arkansas scored four runs in the first inning.
It seems that first innings have been the Achilles’ heel for Kentucky this season. Coming into Friday, Kentucky’s opponents had scored 27 runs in the first inning. Arkansas extended that to 35 by the end of the series.
Despite the start, Kentucky kept the Razorbacks’ offense at bay for the rest of the game. Alexia Lacatena came into the game after the initial run and went 5.2 innings for the Cats. She only allowed four hits and one earned run.
In the fifth inning, Allie Blum was able to cut the lead to one with a 3-run home run, her fifth HR of the year. Blum played a great game with a single and double that night as well.
Unfortunately, Kentucky could not complete the comeback and lost the first game of the series 5-3.
The Losses Continue
On Saturday night, Kentucky had one of their worst games of the year. The Wildcats were defeated 10-2 against Arkansas, getting run-ruled for the first time all season. This was also Kentucky’s third straight loss.
By the second inning, Arkansas had already scored seven runs and Kentucky was on its third pitcher of the night. Peyton Plotts responded to the Arkansas threat, blasting a deep fly ball into left field that scored a run for Kentucky in the fifth.
Now within six, Kentucky may have thought the run-rule would not be in effect, but Arkansas had other plans. Several RBIs from the Razorbacks in the bottom of the inning ended the game.
Cats Lose A Heartbreaker
Kentucky was hoping to escape the sweep and get a ranked win on Sunday. In absolutely heartbreaking fashion, Kentucky lost the final game of the series 2-1.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Buzz Williams
Maryland hires Texas A&M head coach
- 2New
Tre Donaldson
Michigan guard enters portal
- 3
Aaron Bradshaw
Ohio State Forward to transfer
- 4Hot
Pat McAfee
Ole Miss student to sue ESPN
- 5
Meechie Johnson
Historic first for transfer portal
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
The Wildcats could not have asked for a better start as Ally Hutchins got a lead-off home run to give Kentucky its first lead of the series. This was her fifth home run of the year.
The first inning struggles continued after for Kentucky as Arkansas quickly tied the game back up 1-1. The next four innings were scoreless for both teams.
Carson Fall was the starting pitcher for Kentucky and did tremendous work on the mound. She lasted five innings and only allowed two runs. Considering the level of talent on the Razorback roster, Fall did enough to give her team a chance.
Fall did give up a home run in the sixth inning which led to her replacement. The home run put Arkansas up by one heading into the last inning.
Kentucky found themselves with the base loaded and two outs in the seventh, only needing one run to extend the game. They could not get the hit they needed and were swept in the series.
The ‘Cats are now on a four-game losing streak. They will play a rivalry game against Louisville on Wednesday and then a series against Auburn next weekend.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard