UK Softball loses series at Florida; Baseball beats Georgia State

The University of Kentucky Baseball team is back on track after another convincing win over Georgia State on Saturday afternoon. The ladies, however, were not so lucky. Let’s see how both teams played today.

BASEBALL RECAP:

It was a rough start to the season with COVID cancelations and close losses, but Nick Mingione’s Kentucky Wildcat Baseball team is back on track. Saturday afternoon at Kentucky Proud Park, the ‘Cats beat the Georgia State Panthers 6-1.

Chase Estep and Trae Harmon led the offensive effort for Kentucky, each going 2-3 at the plate. Fifth-year senior TJ Collett hit a Big Blue Bomb in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the ‘Cats up 4-0. It was the second in two days for Collett and the 29th of his career.

#𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛, T.J. Collett!

Watch on SECN+
📺 https://t.co/eyjCREAhbu pic.twitter.com/7VpoHvMfNF

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) March 13, 2021

Mason Hazelwood started on the mound for the ‘Cats. Hazelwood had an impressive showing, with a career-high 12 strikeouts in the first six innings.

.@HazelwoodMason has a career-high 1⃣2⃣ strikeouts through 6 IP!

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📺 https://t.co/eyjCREAhbu pic.twitter.com/Nn1eAHTrEp

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) March 13, 2021

The final game of the series is tomorrow at 1 p.m.

SOFTBALL RECAP:

Kentucky Softball dropped another close game at No. 5 Florida on Saturday afternoon, leaving them with a 19-2 overall record on the year.

Just like yesterday, it was a promising start for the Wildcats. Senior Grace Baalman put the ‘Cats on the board first with a solo home run in the top of the second inning. Sadly, though, Kentucky wouldn’t cross home plate again.

Offensively, Kentucky was unable to take advantage of several opportunities. The ‘Cats left the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning and couldn’t score a run in the top of the first inning with a runner in scoring position and nobody out.

Sophomore Miranda Stoddard was strong in relief Saturday, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings. However, it was defensive errors that proved extra troublesome for the ‘Cats today. Kentucky had three errors, leading to all three of Florida’s runs coming unearned in the game. The final score was 3-1.

Another strong inning of relief for Stoddard, who sends the Gators down in order.

Through five.

Kentucky trails, 3-1. pic.twitter.com/kLU36mxJ7K

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) March 13, 2021

The No. 10 Wildcats are now 0-2 in conference play. The last game of the series is Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m in Gainesville.