Hailey Nutter Throws No-Hitter in First-Career Start
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Freshman Hailey Nutter threw a no-hitter in her first-career start Saturday afternoon as she struck out 14 batters en route to a 7-0 shutout win over Loyola-Chicago on day two of the SDSU Season Kickoff as Kentucky moved to 3-0 on the season. In the nightcap, the Wildcats suffered their first defeat of the year in a 4-3 walk-off loss to San Diego State.
Nutter allowed only one base runner in the no-hitter and it was an error by the Wildcat infield that spoiled the perfect game. The next batter grounded into an inning-ending double play to close the book on the Rambler inning and keep the no-hitter in tact. Nutter struck out 14 batters along the way to the no-no, marking the most strikeouts in a single game for a Kentucky pitcher since 2024.
UK now sits 3-1 on the season and will close out opening weekend Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET against Minnesota from San Diego. Live stats will be available at UKathletics.com.
GAME 1 – KENTUCKY 7, LOYOLA CHICAGO 0
Run Recap
Peyton Plotts was responsible for each of Kentucky’s first five runs in the game, beginning with a no-doubt, first-pitch home run to center in the top of the first inning after Allie Blum walked to throw an early crooked number on the board for the Wildcats. UK 2, LOY 0
In the top of the sixth, Plotts led off the inning with her second no-doubter of the day as she hammered one out to right center to make things favor the Wildcats by three runs. UK 3, LOY 0
The Wildcats scored four times in the top of the seventh as Maddy Clark doubled, Allie Blum walked before Plotts hammered a two-run double right down the left-field line to bring them both home. Plotts scored on one of three errors by the Ramblers in the frame and then Karissa Hamilton crossed to make things favor UK by seven. FINAL – Kentucky 7, Loyola-Chicago 0
Key Player
Hailey Nutter was the key player in the game, throwing a complete-game no-hitter in her first-career start for Kentucky.
Key Moment
In the top of the fifth inning, Maddy Anson made the best defensive play of the game for Kentucky with an extending grab in left field going back to the left-center gap to not only preserve the lead-off batter, but also the no-hitter.
Key Stat
21. Hailey Nutter faced only 21 batters in the game, as the only Rambler batter that reached base reached via a dropped foul ball on the right side and then an error on the left side of the UK defense which was erased by a double play.
Pitching Recap
Hailey Nutter threw a complete-game no-hitter for Kentucky, the 23rd no-hitter in UK Softball program history and first since Stephanie Schoonover’s against North Texas in 2023. Nutter struck out 14 batters, the most strikeouts in a single game for a Kentucky pitcher since 2024.
GAME 2 – SAN DIEGO STATE 4, KENTUCKY 3
Run Recap
Kentucky took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second as a single by Carly Sleeman turned into a run off a two-out Aztec error. UK 1, SDSU 1
SDSU tied the game in the bottom of the second on a two-out error by Kentucky. SDSU 1, UK 1
In the top of the fourth, Carly Sleeman hammered a go-ahead double off the wall in left field to score Peyton Plotts, who led off the inning with a triple to right center. UK 2, SDSU 1
San Diego St led off the bottom of the sixth with a double and a walk and both runs scored on a two-RBI single down the line in right. SDSU 3, UK 2
In the top of the seventh, Allie Blum had an infield single to score Emory Donaldson from third to tie the game. UK 3, SDSU 3
San Diego State walked to lead off the seventh and after two singles loaded the bases with no outs, a wild pitch ended the game. FINAL – SDSU 4, Kentucky 3
Key Player
McKenzie Oslanzi was the key player in the game, throwing the first five innings of the game with only one earned run crossing, no walks and five strikeouts. Oslanzi threw 82 pitches with 51 of them recorded as strikes.
Key Moment
With UK down to its final out in the game and final strike, the Wildcats third baseman hammered a 3-2 pitch to right-center field to put the potential game-tying run at second base with two outs. The at bat lasted nine pitches and ended with Donaldson’s second time being on-base of the game to accompany her terrific day defensively.
Key Stat
5. UK left five runners on base in the game, with four of the five left stranded in scoring position.
Pitching Recap
McKenzie Oslanzi went the opening five innings, only allowing one earned run and five strikeouts. Sarah Haendiges entered and got three outs, but was charged with the loss with two walks and a strikeout. Carson Fall faced three batters.
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