Unversity of Kentucky Softball Falls Just Short of World Series

(Picture credit to the KY Kernal)

Article by: Falon Catalano

Kentucky slams No. 7 Cal in game two but loses momentum in game three

After a tough 1-0 loss to California on Saturday, Kentucky came out with vengeance in game two forcing the mercy rule with a score of 8-0.

Setting the tone in the bottom of the first inning, UK’s Megan Yocke, Kara Dill, and Meagan Aull poke three back-to-back singles scoring two runs quick. Aull then scores on a fielder’s choice by Brittany Cervantes making the score 3-0 going into the second.

Rachel Riley started in the circle for UK and she posted an impressive five innings of work. Riley only allowed five hits in which none were consecutive, no walks, and one strikeout. The defense played strong behind Riley by only committing one error. Not only was the defense impressive for the Cats, but the offensive barrage was a sight to see.

Jolene Henderson toed the rubber for Cal, but was pulled after UK smacked six hits and scored five runs in the first two innings. She also gave up two walks in her two innings of work. Arianna Erceq came in for Henderson in the top of the third and pitched the rest of the game giving up four hits, one walk, and three runs.

Yocke, Riley, and Samantha Demartine each were 1-for-2 with walks. Dill and Annie Rowlands were 2-for-3 while Aull, O’Brien, and Cervantes each went 1-for-3. Rowlands and DeMartine also racked a double each.

After the impressive win in game two, the Cats suffer a 9-0 upset that sends Cal to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Cal gets the momentum swinging their way taking advantage of a tight strike zone that UK’s starting pitcher, Chanda Bell, was struggling to find.

Cal’s Jordan Wallace hits a two run scoring double that would lead to four runs being scored on Bell before UK makes a pitching change entering Riley into the game on the mound. The Golden Bears scored four runs on four hits off Bell while she also walked a pair of batters. Riley comes in and records the last out allowing Cal to score one more run on a wild pitch making it 5-0 going into the bottom of the first.

Henderson, PAC 10 Pitcher of the Year, started on the mound again for Cal. She made some adjustments which served well because she only allowed three hits, one walk, and two hit batters. Henderson was masterful keeping the Cats off balance by changing speeds and working the corners. She was impressive fanning seven in her complete game of work.

Riley held off the Golden Bear’s offense for a while but Wallace hit a double scoring one run in the top of the sixth. Then in the seventh, Cal adds three runs off of three hits which includes a two-run homerun by Lindsey Ziegenhert.

Cal’s offense was too much for Kentucky to handle. Jace Williams went 3-for-4 while Frani Echavarria and Victoria Jones each had a pair of hits. Wallace was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles with three rbi. Not only did the Golden Bears prove that they could murder the gaps, they also proved they could play small ball by laying down three bunts for hits.

After the Wildcats suffered the devastating loss, the players made their way back out on the field to give their fans a round of applause for all their support in their history making season. Kentucky is a program that has grown leaps and bounds over the last four years since Coach Rachel Lawson took over.

Finishing the year as Region Champions with a record of 40-16, the Cats have nothing to hang their heads about. The Blue Nation will be looking forward to an exciting next season as Kentucky Softball looks to make another run to the big show in Oklahoma City.

You can follow Falon Catalano on Twitter: @Fal_Catalano or contact her by email at: falon.catalano@unionky.edu

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