The No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats kicked off SEC play in style, securing back-to-back wins over the Missouri Tigers at John Cropp Stadium. The Wildcats used timely hitting and strong pitching performances to claim a 6-4 win on Friday night before following up with a 5-4 victory on Saturday afternoon.
Game 1: Kentucky 6, Missouri 4
A three-run third inning helped propel Kentucky (15-6, 1-0 SEC) past Missouri (11-11, 0-1 SEC) in the series opener. Cassie Reasner delivered the big blow with a three-run home run, giving Kentucky a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
McKenzie Bump played a key role at the top of the lineup, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Lauryn Borzilleri added three hits and an RBI, while Hallie Mitchell and Ally Hutchins chipped in with key hits.
Alexia Lacatena (5-1) earned the win in the circle, throwing 4.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs. Carson Fall and Sarah Haendiges combined for 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, with Haendiges slamming the door in the seventh.
- Cassie Reasner: 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
- McKenzie Bump: 3-for-3, 2 R, SB
- Lauryn Borzilleri: 3-for-4, 2B, RBI
- Alexia Lacatena: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R (2 ER), 1 K
- Sarah Haendiges: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K, Save
Game 2: Kentucky 5, Missouri 4
The Wildcats secured the series win on Saturday in another tightly contested matchup. Clutch home runs from Ally Hutchins and Cassie Reasner powered Kentucky’s offense, while a trio of pitchers kept Missouri in check.
Missouri took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning, but Kentucky responded in the bottom half with a two-run shot from Allie Blum. The Wildcats added three more in the fourth, thanks to a solo homer by Hutchins and a two-run blast from Reasner, making it 5-1.
Missouri made a late push, scoring three runs in the fifth, but Kentucky’s bullpen held firm. Julie Kelley (3-1) earned the win with 3.1 innings of work, while Haendiges recorded her second save in as many days.
- Cassie Reasner: 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
- Ally Hutchins: 3-for-3, HR, RBI
- Allie Blum: 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI
- Julie Kelley: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER
- Sarah Haendiges: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 K, Save
With the two victories, Kentucky improves to 16-6 overall and 2-0 in SEC play. The Wildcats will look to complete the sweep of Missouri on Sunday before heading into a tough conference schedule.
UP NEXT: Kentucky closes out the series against Missouri on Sunday afternoon at John Cropp Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. The men try to win the rubber match against Wofford at 1 PM.