It feels a little funny to be writing about softball in February, but that is the NCAA calendar for you. While we are all bundled up here in Kentucky, the Kentucky Softball team is out in sunny California getting the season started. And honestly? They are looking pretty good.
The Cats opened up the San Diego State Season Kickoff by rattling off three straight wins, looking dominant early. But last night, they ran into the host team, San Diego State, and took their first lump of the season in heartbreaking fashion.
The walk off recap: SDSU 4, Kentucky 3
This was a back-and-forth battle that felt more like a postseason game than an opening weekend tilt.
Kentucky struck first in the 2nd inning and regained the lead 2-1 in the 4th. But the Aztecs responded, putting up a two-spot in the 6th to take a 3-2 lead heading into the final frame.
The Cats didn't quit. They scratched across a run in the top of the 7th to tie the game at 3-3, giving themselves a chance to steal one on the road. But it wasn't meant to be. San Diego State managed to plate the winning run in the bottom of the 7th to walk it off, 4-3.
The box score Notes
Carly Sleeman had a nice night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Blum also chipped in an RBI on a 1-for-4 night. McKenzie Oslanzi got the start and was solid, going 5.0 innings and giving up just 1 earned run while striking out 5. The bullpen struggled a bit to close it out, with Haendiges taking the loss.
Not a bad outing, but losing on a walk-off is always disappointing.
What's next
The Cats (3-1) have a chance to wash the bad taste out of their mouths immediately. They close out the weekend today against Minnesota.
First pitch is at 1:30 PM ET.
There is no stream for this one (classic softball scheduling), but you can follow the live stats over at UKAthletics.com.
Let's finish the trip 4-1 and come home happy.