April 9, 2014
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky senior pitcher Lauren Cumbess hammered her first career grand slam in the second inning, while freshman outfielder Breanne Ray launched the first home run of her young career to leadoff the third inning, helping No. 11 Kentucky to a dominating 10-0 victory in five innings over Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday at John Cropp Stadium.
The win concludes a 15-game home stand for Kentucky (33-8) with the Wildcats earning an 11-4 record during the stretch. The game also concludes UK’s non-conference home schedule as Kentucky sits 26-3 against non-conference foes this season, including 11-1 at home. The Wildcats are 14-4 overall this season at John Cropp Stadium.
Kentucky will return to Southeastern Conference action this weekend as it travels Oxford, Miss., to square off against Ole Miss. The series begins Friday night at 7 p.m. ET before a 3 p.m. ET first pitch on Saturday and 2 p.m. ET series finale on Sunday. Live stats from all three games will be available online at UKathletcs.com.
After defeating Wright State on Tuesday night, 9-1, the Wildcat offense put together another strong performance Wednesday paced by Cumbess and Ray. Kentucky scored two runs in the first inning and four runs in the second and third innings to take control of the game. UK’s 10 runs scored ties a season high in runs scored as UK has scored 10 runs in three games this season.
Cumbess was the star at the plate, hammering the first grand slam of her career – third of the season for UK. The senior went 1-for-3 in the circle with four RBI and a run scored. Ray, who received the first start of her career in the game, went 1-for-1 with a home run, while senior Ginny Carroll was 1-for-2 with two runs scored and sophomore Christian Stokes 1-for-3 with a run scored and RBI. Fellow sophomore Nikki Sagermann had a sacrifice fly in the game, ending her hitting streak at five games. Outfielders Emily Gaines and Sylver Samuel also recorded hits in the game with Gaines earning an RBI.
Cumbess picked up the win in the circle, moving her record to 9-0 this season. The native of Normal, Ill., tossed four scoreless innings to get the win, allowing only three hits with five strikeouts. Freshman Shannon Smith came out of the bullpen to pitch the fifth inning, striking out two batters.
Mississippi Valley State (7-30) tossed Cassandra Rivera in the circle with the senior tossing two innings, allowing six runs – four earned – on two hits with one strikeout. Tenna Patterson tossed the final two innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits with one strikeout. Offensively, MVSU was led by Jahcenda Garrett, Yasmin Battle and Brandi Williams, who each collected hits.
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Records
Kentucky – 33-8
Wright State – 7-24
Mississippi Valley State – 7-30
Rankings
Kentucky – No. 11 in ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25; No. 11 in NFCA/USA Today Top 25
Wright State – not ranked
Mississippi Valley State – not ranked
Schedule/Results
Tuesday, April 8
Kentucky def. Wright State 9-1 (5)
Wednesday, April 9
Kentucky def. Mississippi Valley State 10-0 (5)
