Sagermann, Pitching Staff Pace UK Past EKU In Fall Opener

GAME 1 | GAME 2

RICHMOND, Ky. – Paced by a three-hit, four-RBI performance from senior Nikki Sagermann at the plate, and four pitchers combining to allow just two runs in 14 innings, the University of Kentucky softball team swept a fall-opening doubleheader with Eastern Kentucky on Sunday afternoon at Hood Field in Richmond, Ky. 

The Wildcats opened the day with a 7-1 win over the Colonels, followed by a 2-1 decision to close out the night.

In game one, Sagermann led the Kentucky offense with a 2-for-3 performance at the dish, knocking in three runs, while also scoring twice. After UK went up 1-0 in the second inning with an RBI single from Brooklin Hinz, Sagermann launched a two-run home run to rightcenter field to put UK up 3-0. 

The Wildcats would tack on another run in the fourth as Ansley Smith led off the inning with a solo shot to right to make it 4-0. With runners on first and second and two outs, Sagermann doubled to right center, scoring freshman Abbey Cheek. Another freshman, Kelsee Henson, singled through the right side notching two RBI for the Paducah, Ky., native putting the Wildcats up 7-0.

Erin Rethlake and Kelsey Nunley combined to allow just five hits and one run in the first game of the day, striking out nine and not allowing any walks. 

In the nighcap, Kentucky got off to another strong start, scoring a run in both the first and second innings, which would be all the UK pitching staff needed to complete the sweep. Junior Stephanie Martino helped lead UK the offense in the second game, going 2-for-2 at the dish. Outfielder Sylver Samuel and infielder Sagermann scored the UK runs to put away the game early.

Sagermann doubled down the leftfield line to score Samuel in the opening inning, who singled and stole a base to get into scoring position for Sagermann’s fourth RBI of the day. Kentucky would add on another run in the second inning as Breanne Ray singled up the middle to score Hinz, after she reached earlier in the inning on a fielder’s choice. 

Pitchers Shannon Smith and Meagan Price combined for a two-hit one-run effort in the circle for Rachel Lawson’s club, striking out eight combined batters and only allowing two walks. 

Kentucky next takes to the field on Friday, Oct. 2 against Georgetown at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington. Game one of the doubleheader will start at 5 p.m. ET. Admission to all fall home games is free of charge, while free parking is available in the lots surrounding John Cropp Stadium.

2015 Kentucky Softball Fall Schedule

Friday, Oct. 2 vs. Georgetown (DH) – John Cropp Stadium (Lexington, Ky.) – 5 p.m. ET

Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Western Kentucky (DH) – John Cropp Stadium (Lexington, Ky.) – 1 p.m. ET

Sunday, Oct. 11 vs. Kent State (11 a.m. ET) and vs. Ohio State (1 p.m. ET) – Buckeye Field (Columbus, Ohio)

For the latest on the Kentucky softball team, follow @UKSoftball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, as well as on the web at UKathletics.com.