Rethlake Throws Complete-Game Shutout in 5-0 Win Over EKU

RICHMOND, Ky. – The No. 18 Kentucky softball team picked up its fifth win in a row on Tuesday night as Erin Rethlake threw a complete-game shutout against Eastern Kentucky and Jenny Schaper had three RBI as the Wildcats knocked off the Colonels, 5-0. 

Kentucky improves to 31-13 on the season with Tuesday night’s result, as Eastern Kentucky falls to 20-27. The Wildcats return to the field on Wednesday afternoon down in Martin, Tennessee, the hometown of ace pitcher Meagan Prince. Kentucky and UT-Martin will start at 5 p.m. ET and the game will be shown live on the OVC Digital Network online. 

Rethlake was spectacular in the circle all game for the Wildcats, only allowing three baserunners to reach scoring position in the game, and only walking one batter. The junior from Huntington, Indiana threw just 1-3 pitches en route to her third complete-game shutout of the season, and second in as many starts. 

Three. Sophomore catcher Jenny Schaper had three RBI in Tuesday night’s game, including launching her fifth home run of the season in the top of the first inning on the first pitch of her at bat. 

Katie Reed’s RBI single in the top of the seventh inning made it a 3-0 game, as the Wildcats took a 2-0 lead and ballooned it to 5-0 by the end of the frame. 

Erin Rethlake was the key player in the game, getting the win in the circle to move to 9-2 on the season, and also going 1-for-2 at the plate with an infield single, and scoring two runs.

In the top of the first, Jenny Schaper hit a home run to left field on the first pitch of her at bat and two outs to put the Wildcats on top. UK 1, EKU 0

Kentucky would make it 2-0 in the top of the third inning when Jenny Schaper hit an RBI groundout to the right side with one out to score Erin Rethlake, who led off the inning with a base hit to help her own cause. UK 2, EKU 0

In the top of the seventh, Kentucky would break the game open with three runs. Alex Martens homered to lead off the inning, which was followed by a walk to Rachael Metzger. Sarah Rainwater put down a perfect SAC bunt to move pinch runner Brynlee Bigelow to second and she came around to score on a Katie Reed single to RF. The third run came around to score on a fielder’s choice 4-3 groundout from Jenny Schaper. FINAL – No. 18 Kentucky 5, Eastern Kentucky 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.