No. 10 Kentucky Softball loses home-opener to Michigan

It is officially softball time in the bluegrass, BBN. Earlier tonight, the No. 10 Kentucky Softball team began their 2022 season today at John Cropp Stadium, but with an unfortunate 8-0 loss to No. 19 Michigan. The loss is UK’s second of the season, dropping them down to 13-2 early in the year.

Not our day. Back tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/XgnfnvUsHL

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) March 4, 2022

FINAL: Michigan 8, Kentucky 0

The Wolverines got their offense going early. Michigan loaded the bases with a few hits and a walk, but starting Kentucky pitcher Stephanie Schoonover worked out of a hole to end the inning with no damage. The ‘Cats went three-up, three-down in their first outing, leaving the game scoreless.

Schoonover found herself in a similar situation in the top of the second. After striking out her first two batters, she walked one and gave up a single on the next, leading to Michigan’s first run. The Wolverines tacked on two more thanks to a Kristina Burkhardt double to left field before the ‘Cats finally ended it.

Erin Coffel got the first hit for UK in the bottom of the second with a single to right field. Renee Abernathy had what looked like a promising smack shortly after, but it was caught in an athletic play from the center fielder. Coffel was caught stealing second minutes later, putting the score at 3-0 in favor of Michigan.

Neither team could get anything going in the next few innings. That is until Michigan’s Lauren Esman hit a solo homer to right field in the top of the sixth. It was her second of the season.

The Wolverines pushed another two through later in the inning after a defensive miscue from the Wildcats. Two more runs in the top of the seventh put the ‘Cats in an 8-0 hole — one that they would not be able to climb out of. The final score would not change.

Kentucky boasts an impressive defense, but looked out of sorts tonight. UK recorded four errors throughout the game, leading to five of Michigan’s eight runs.

Starting Michigan pitcher Alex Storako was stellar for the Wolverines. She recorded 12 strikeouts (five of them looking) and only allowed two hits.

The ‘Cats will play a doubleheader on Friday beginning with a matchup with Drake University at 3 p.m. Game two is set for 5:30 p.m. You can watch both contests live on the SEC Network +.