Kentucky’s Early Lead Overturned by Bulldogs’ Strong Offensive Showing
The No. 22 Kentucky Softball team suffered a 6-2 defeat against Mississippi State on Friday night at Nusz Park. Despite scoring first in the opening inning with an RBI single from Kennedy Sullivan, the Wildcats couldn’t maintain their lead as the Bulldogs found their rhythm.
Mississippi State scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning with back-to-back sacrifice flies, followed by a home run in the third that put the game out of reach for Kentucky. The win for Mississippi State marks their first victory in Southeastern Conference play since opening weekend, bringing their overall record to 25-22 and 4-14 in league play. Kentucky’s record now stands at 28-16-1, with an 8-11 mark in the SEC.
Due to potential incoming weather in Starkville, Mississippi, game two of the series has been rescheduled to start two hours earlier, now beginning at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and the ESPN app.
Key Play
Mississippi State’s Brownlee hit a three-run home run, giving the Bulldogs a 5-1 lead and proving to be the decisive factor in the game.
Key Player
Kentucky’s Kayla Kowalik delivered a strong performance, going 3-for-4 in the game and contributing three of the nine UK hits.
Key Stat
The Wildcats left six runners on base, with five of those stranded in scoring position.
Run Recap
After Kayla Kowalik singled and advanced to third, she scored on an RBI single by Kennedy Sullivan, giving Kentucky an early lead. UK 1, MSU 0. In the bottom of the second inning, the Bulldogs took the lead with two runs from back-to-back sacrifice flies. MSU 2, UK 1. A three-run home run in the bottom of the third extended Mississippi State’s lead. MSU 5, UK 1. Kentucky managed to score one more run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Meeko Harrison, which brought in Jenna Blanton. MSU 6, UK 2. Mississippi State added another run in the bottom of the sixth on a defensive error, sealing the final score at Mississippi State 6, Kentucky 2.
