• Softball Home
• |
• Lee Stadium
• |
• Coaches
• |
• Archives

May 7, 2009

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning by Kentucky shortstop Molly Johnson backed a complete-game effort from hurler Rachel Riley as the sixth-seeded Wildcats (32-20) stunned No. 7 and third-seeded Georgia (39-10) on Thursday in the opening game of the annual Southeastern Conference Tournament at the Lee Softball Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. The victory marked the first in the league's showcase event for UK in school history.

Johnson went 1-of-3 at the plate but made her lone hit count with her two-run, game-winning blast. UK managed four hits as a team, while Georgia garnered five base knocks versus Riley (6-5) who struck out two and walked none over seven innings of work. For the Bulldogs, starter Christie Hamilton (21-8) picked up a tough defeat after allowing just two tallies on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Kentucky threatened first in the top of the initial frame as a one-out single to center from Meagan Aull and consecutive walks issued by Georgia starter Hamilton to catcher Megan Yocke and third baseman Brittany Cervantes loaded the bags for the Wildcats. Unfortunately for UK, second baseman Natalie Smith swung at the first pitch and fouled out harmlessly outside of third, and pitcher Rachel Riley bounced out harmlessly to UGA third baseman Alisa Goler as the Blue & White left three stranded.

Meanwhile, Riley was throwing well for the 'Cats, retiring the first four Bulldog batters she faced before permitting a sharp single to center from catcher Kristyn Sandberg with one retired in the bottom of the second. Georgia designated player Tori Moody got a lot of bat on a ball but her liner traveled straight to Aull in center field. Second baseman Ashley Pauly grounded into a fielder's choice as the lead runner was cut down at second to conclude the frame.

Georgia left fielder Tess Echols christened the bottom of the third by beating out a lead-off infield single. Riley responded to the threat by retiring right fielder Lisaira Daniels, center fielder Taylor Schlopy and shortstop Kristin Schnake in order as the pitcher's duel continued.

The scoreless duel was finally broken up in the top of the fifth after a lead-off single to left from first baseman Sam DeMartine. With two outs in the inning and Georgia close to emerging unscathed from the frame, Johnson fought Hamilton over an eight-pitch at-bat before blasting a towering home run to left, granting UK a big 2-0 lead.

Attempting to answer immediately on the scoreboard, UGA's Moody opened the bottom of the fifth with a single back through the middle. The 'Dawgs again couldn't string together multiple hits, however, as three straight UGA batters were retired by Riley as Kentucky maintained its two-run advantage.

Sandberg stepped to the dish starting Georgia's final chance in regulation in the bottom of the seventh, but popped up to Johnson behind the second base bag for the initial out. Consecutive groundouts to the left side of the infield from Moody and Echols ended the contest as Kentucky posted a big upset in the tournament's opening contest.

The Wildcats will return to action on Friday at 5 p.m. ET against the winner of today's Arkansas-Auburn contest.