The University of Kentucky softball team fell to No. 4 Alabama today, Apr. 2, in five innings by a final of 9-0. Alabama scored all nine runs in the first inning and improves to 32-4 on the year and 12-0 in the Southeastern Conference. The Wildcats are now 14-22 overall with a 2-16 mark in conference play.
The Crimson Tide plated all nine of its runs in the top of the first off UK starter Amy Kendall. UA sent 12 batters to the plate and delivered eight hits, including a two-run homer by Dani Woods and a three-run shot by Jordan Praytor to take a 9-0 lead.
Kendall retired the side in order in the second and third and did not allow another Alabama hit after the first inning. She was relieved by Lindsay Brogdon in the fourth who also didn?t allow a hit. Brogdon allowed just one baserunner with a one-out walk to Allison Moore in the fifth.
The Wildcats got their leadoff batter on base in each of the final four innings, but weren?t able to push a run across against the Tide. Katie Campbell led off the bottom of the second with a double down the left field line. She moved to third on a passed ball but was stranded there to end the inning and the only Wildcat scoring threat of the day.
Gina Florence singled to center to lead off the fifth, but was erased as Melchi hit into a double play to end the game as the Cats dropped their ninth straight game.
The double by Campbell and single by Florence were the only hits for the Wildcats on Sunday. Alabama had eight hits, all of which came in the first inning. UA had just one baserunner after the first frame.
Kendall gets the loss for the Cats, falling to 5-8 on the year. She gave up nine runs on eight hits in 3.0 innings of work. Brogdon tossed two innings of no-hit softball and walked just one UA batter.
Stephanie VanBrakle got the win for Alabama, improving her record to 19-2. VanBrakle gave up one hit and struck out four in 3.0 innings of work. Blair Potter threw the final two innings and didn?t allow a run on one hit while striking out one.
The Wildcats will take a break from SEC play as they host a pair of non-conference doubleheaders this week. UK will take on Ohio on Tuesday, Apr. 4, followed by a Wednesday, Apr. 5, matchup with Western Kentucky. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. each day.
