UK Softball evens series with No. 4 Alabama

(UK Athletics | Chris Shoals)

The No. 7 University of Kentucky softball team is back even with the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in a huge top 10 series.

Though Kentucky lost the first game of the series 11-6 on Saturday, they were determined for a better outcome on Sunday. The ‘Cats struck first thanks to an Alabama error, scoring Kayla Kowalik. They tacked on another in the bottom of the third on a sac-fly to right field, making the score 2-0.

The bottom of the fourth brought more offensive success. An RBI double from Miranda Stoddard and an RBI single by Kowalik doubled Kentucky’s lead to make it 4-0 and prompting a ‘Bama pitching change. Kentucky’s hitting was impressive today, as the team ended .357 (10-28). The ‘Cats are currently the best batting team in the SEC.

‘Bama finally found the scoreboard in the top of the fifth after a double and RBI single to score Elissa Brown. Though pitcher Autumn Humes gave up more hits this inning than any of the previous four, she worked hard to get out of her jam and minimize the damage. She struck out the final batter to end the Alabama fifth with two Tide players left on base.

💪AUT!!!💪

HUGE strikeout of Sides to end the Alabama fifth with two left on the bases!!

Middle of five – UK 4, ALA 1

Peyton, Coffel and Humes due up for the Wildcats.

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— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) March 28, 2021

The Tide managed to add another in the top of the seventh off a Bailey Hemphill RBI single up the middle to keep Alabama’s hopes alive. The Wildcat defense stood strong, though, ending the game with another two ‘Bama hitters left on base.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

FINAL – #7 Kentucky 4, #3 Alabama 2

Rubber match tomorrow!! #WeAreUK #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/IOmWKOrtkd

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) March 28, 2021

The pitching from Humes was crucial for the ‘Cats. She struck out five Alabama batters in her full seven innings pitched, allowing only six hits total and ending with a 1.44 ERA. Each team left nine runners on base in the match.

Tomorrow night’s game will decide the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.