Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – No. 20 Kentucky scored three runs in the top of the seventh to pull away for a 5-0 victory over the Eastern Kentucky University softball team on Tuesday in front of a capacity crowd at the new Gertrude Hood Field.
 
EKU pitchers Alex Sallberg and Mollie Paulick stifled the nationally-ranked Wildcats (31-13) to only two runs on four hits through the first six innings of play.
 
Trailing only 2-0, Eastern (20-26) threatened to tie the game or take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Senior Krislyn Campos was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame, went to second on a wild pitch and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by freshman Mia Sanchez. The Colonels' two top run producers – sophomore Rachel Minogue and junior Johnkyria Alston – then came to the plate representing the tying run; however, Minogue popped out and Alston grounded out to end the threat and the inning.
 
Alex Martens led off the top of the seventh with a solo home run, sparking Kentucky to three insurance runs in the final frame to make it 5-0.
 
Erin Rethlake (9-2) tossed a complete-game shutout to earn the win for the Wildcats, surrendering only three hits.
 
Sallberg (7-13) started in the circle for EKU and pitched 3.1 solid innings, allowing only one earned run on three hits while striking out five Wildcats.
 
Campos, sophomore Hannah Clark and senior Amber Murray all collected hits in the game for the Colonels.
 
Eastern returns to action this weekend with home doubleheaders against OVC foes Tennessee Tech and Jacksonville State.