Plotts Hits Solo HR in 9-1 Defeat to No. 5 Texas in Series Opener
AUSTIN, Texas – Peyton Plotts hit her team-leading 15th home run of the season Thursday night, but it was a six-run third inning that ultimately was the difference as No. 5 Texas beat Kentucky 9-1 in five innings in the opener of the regular season finale.
Kentucky’s defense cost the Wildcats the runs on Thursday night as three UK errors led directly to six Texas runs as freshman Carson Fall took the tough-luck loss in the game, throwing 2.1 quality innings in the circle for the Wildcats.
UK scored its only run in the top of the fourth inning as Peyton Plotts hammered a second-pitch offering over the wall if left center to lead off the frame and get UK on the board to cut what was a 7-0 lead to 7-1. UK had four hits in the game with others coming off the bat of Maddy Clark, Lauryn Borzilleri and Hallie Mitchell.
Friday’s second game of the series will be at Noon ET to beat impending weather in Austin. The game will be broadcast live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app. Texas with the win is now 43-9, 14-8 in the Southeastern Conference. Kentucky falls to 29-23, 7-15.
Key Play
Kentucky’s key play was Plotts’ home run in the top of the fourth inning.
Key Player
Peyton Plotts was the key player, going 1-for-2 with the solo HR.
Super Stat
- Carson Fall had no walks in the game, as she threw a strong outing for the Wildcats that was ultimately spoiled by defensive errors.
Run Recap
An infield error led to Texas’ first run in the bottom of the second to open the scoring. TEX 1, UK 0
Texas capitalized on two errors and a mental error to load the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the third, and then a 3-2 pitch was hit out to left center for a grand slam. TEX 7, UK 0
Peyton Plotts’ 15th home run of the season was a solo shot to open the fourth. TEX 7, UK 1
In the bottom of the fourth, Texas induced the run rule with am RBI double and groundout. FINAL – Texas 9, Kentucky 1 (F/5)
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.
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