The Kentucky softball team defeated Auburn today, Mar. 11, by a final of 2-1 to claim its first Southeastern Conference win of the season. The Wildcats continue their best start in school history as they improve to 13-6 overall and 1-2 in the SEC. The Tigers fall to 13-13 on the year and 2-1 in league play with the loss.
The league win was the first for UK in 11 tries since it defeated Florida Apr. 22, 2006, in Gainesville by a final of 3-2.
The Wildcats got strong pitching from freshman Amber Matousek who tossed her third complete game of the season. Matousek tied a career-best with five strikeouts and stays perfect on the year at 5-0. The Glendale, Ariz., native allowed just one run on four hits and walked three in the 7.0 inning victory.
Matousek retired the side in order in each of the first three innings. The Wildcat defense shined behind her as the third inning ended on a play at the plate when Ashley Fertic threw a strike to catcher Katie Campbell for an inning-ending double play. The Wildcats now have nine twin killings on the season to lead the SEC.
After a scoreless first, the Wildcats went to work in the home half of the second. Campbell drew a base on balls to lead off the inning. The senior stole second and remained there when Becky Bishop came to the plate with two outs. Bishop delivered her second homer in as many games and her fourth of the season to put the Wildcats on top 2-0.
The Tigers cut the lead in half in the top of the fourth when pitcher Holly Currie helped her own effort and hit a solo shot over the wall in left to make it a 2-1 Kentucky lead. Matousek gave up back-to-back walks following the homer, but a force out at third ended the inning with no further damage.
Matousek went back to work in the circle and did not allow a baserunner past second the rest of the way as the Wildcats held on for the one-run win.
The Cats scored two runs on three hits including the homer by Bishop and a pair of singles by Fertic and Meyer. Bishop?s home run was the 25th by the Wildcats this season. The single-season record is 37, set during the 2004 campaign.
The Wildcats wrap up this 11-game homestand on Tuesday, Mar. 13, when they host Mississippi State for a mid-week SEC doubleheader. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at the UK Softball Complex.
