In game one of a three-game series in Lexington, No. 13 Alabama lost to Kentucky by a score of 6-3. With this loss, the Tide fall to 25-7 on the year and 2-5 in conference play.
Free bases were a big problem for the Alabama pitching staff, allowing 7 walks on the evening. On the other hand, Wildcat starting pitcher Stephanie Schoonover threw a complete game, punching out nine.
Alabama got on the board first, scoring one run in the second inning. Lauren Johnson reached with one out on a hit-by-pitch. Then, Kristen White notched a single up the middle followed by back-to-back wild pitches by Schoonover to bring home Johnson.
The Tide didn’t hold on to the lead for long as the Wildcat offense loaded the bases in the home half of the second with a single and consecutive walk. Alabama starting pitcher Kayla Beaver didn’t have her best stuff in this one, walking another to put Kentucky on the board. Beaver was then pulled in replace of Jocelyn Briski. Beaver’s final line: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K.
Briski entered and immediately threw a wild pitch, giving the Wildcats the lead. Kentucky then forced back-to-back walks, again, extending its lead to two.
The Wildcats put together another big inning in the fifth to all but write a finish to this one. Taylor Ebbs cashed in with runners on with a 2-run single to center. Kentucky then scratched across another run on an Alabama defensive error, extending its run total to 6.
The Alabama offense showed some life in the sixth with back-to-back solo shots from Marlie Giles and Emma Broadfoot. However, the Tide were unable to find the big hit when they needed it late, only recording 3 total hits on the game.
“There are three keys to the game, a good start, good defense, and a big hit. Unfortunately, we did not get any of those tonight,” said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy
NEXT: Alabama will look to even up the series tomorrow with game two set for 5:30 p.m. CT.
