Plotts Powers Kentucky to Win in Delay-Filled Marathon vs. Auburn
AUBURN, Ala. – In a game filled with lightning delays and one rain delay spanning over six and a half hours, the No. 23 Kentucky Softball team came from behind thanks to a three-run blast from freshman Peyton Plotts and a two-run bomb from Taylor Ebbs to win the series opener over Auburn, 5-2.
Kentucky trailed 2-0 through four complete innings and two total delays, spanning over 90 minutes, before Plotts hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning and Taylor Ebbs added in some insurance in the top of the seventh inning with a two-run homer to left center.
Stephanie Schoonover was the starting pitcher for Kentucky, and gave up no hits on the afternoon, but after the third rain delay, it was Jaden Vickers who took the circle for Kentucky, as she closed out the game on 3.1 innings pitched with only one hit allowed and no runs against as the senior from Crystal River, Florida picked up her first Southeastern Conference win.
Kentucky pitching allowed only one hit during the game as Schoonover threw the first 3.2 innings and Vickers closed out the final 3.1 innings. The Tigers only scored twice, with both coming in the bottom of the third inning on unearned runs due to a pair of Kentucky throwing errors in the frame.
With the win, Kentucky has now won three-straight games, its longest winning streak since March 16-17, a span lasting 15 games and the entire month of April. UK is now 28-15 on the season and moves to 6-10 in the Southeastern Conference standings. Auburn falls to 23-14 and is 5-11 in league play.
The series will continue with game two Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on SEC Network with Courtney Lyle and Danielle Lawrie on the call from The Plains.
Key Play
Peyton Plotts’ three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning after the third restart was the key play in the game as it gave Kentucky its first runs of the night, and its first lead of the game.
Key Player
The key player was Jaden Vickers, who threw 3.1 innings in relief of Stephanie Schoonover and struck out two batters with no runs allowed and only one hit given up.
Key Stat
5:17. The time it took from first pitch to end the game.
Run Recap
Auburn scored two unearned runs on a first and third play and a sac fly after two Kentucky errors in the bottom of the third inning. AUB 2, UK 0
Peyton Plotts hit a three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning. UK 3, AUB 2
In the top of the seventh, Taylor Ebbs cranked a two-run homer to left center. FINAL – Kentucky 5, Auburn 2
NEW for 2024 – The Kentucky Softball Designated Players Club
The Designated Players is the Official Booster Program of Kentucky Softball. Financial contributions and community support through The Designated Players program, Kentucky Softball will be able to continue to develop our student-athletes on and off the field. To join The Designated Players, you can join online or click here to download the membership form and mail to the address listed. For more information, email Kristine Himes at kentuckysoftball@uky.edu or Larry Cash at Larry.Cash@uky.edu.
For the latest on UK Softball, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKSoftball.
