Five-Run Fourth, Schaper’s Home Run Sends No. 11 UK past WKU
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Freshman Jenny
Schaper launched a two-run home run to left field in the top of the fourth
inning as part of a five-run frame which led the No. 11 Kentucky softball team
past the WKU Hilltoppers 5-0 on Wednesday night at the WKU Softball Complex.
Junior pitcher Meagan Prince threw a one-hit
complete-game shutout on Wednesday, her fifth of the season, and second time
allowing just one hit in the circle, as the Martin, Tenn., moved to 17-3 on the
season in the circle and ties Kelsey Nunley for the team lead.
Kentucky wins its second in a row overall and remains
a perfect 4-0 on the year against in-state teams, as the WKU result combines
with wins over Murray State, Eastern Kentucky and Northern Kentucky on the
year. The Wildcats, who sit No. 11 in both national polls, bump up their record
to 38-9 overall and remain 13-5 in Southeastern Conference action.
The Wildcats will return to SEC play on Friday
in a critical SEC showdown with the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide from Rhoades
Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The series commences on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
ET with that game shown live on the SEC Network+, ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.
Saturday’s game will start at 6 p.m. ET and televised by the SEC Network with
Jenn Hildreth and Kayla Braud on the call. Sunday’s series closer will start at
2:30 p.m. ET
Key Stat
Five. For the 12th time this season, Kentucky
scored five or more runs in a single inning, plating all fiveof its runs in the
bottom of the fourth inning on Wednesday night.
Key Play
Freshman Jenny Schaper launched a two-run home
run in the fourth inning to make it a 5-0 UK lead. Schaper has now homered in
two of the last four games.
Key Player
Meagan Prince was the key player, throwing a
complete-game shutout on Wednesday, her fifth of the season. Prince recorded 12
strikeouts in the seven inning game, just three off of her career high.
Run Recap
Kentucky scored all five runs in the fourth
inning. Maisie Steed and Abbey Cheek singled to begin the inning to put runners
on first and second with no outs. Steed came around to score on a Brooklin Hinz
single up the middle to plate the game’s first run. The Wildcats made it 3-0 on
an E4 by the WKU defense, trying to nail down Cheek at the plate. The throw squirted
wide, allowing Hinz to score as well and make it 3-0. Jenny Schaper then
launched a two-run HR after a pitching change to close the inning with five
runs. FINAL – No. 11 Kentucky 5, WKU 0
For the latest on the Kentucky softball team, follow @UKSoftball on Twitter, Instagram
and Facebook, as well as on the web at UKathletics.com.
