CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – No. 16 Kentucky scored a total of eight runs across the second and third innings on Friday evening, allowing the Wildcats to defeat Bethune-Cookman by a count of 10-2 in non-conference softball action at Pawtucket Field as part of the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Palm Springs, California.
 
Kentucky (7-6) erupted for four runs in the second inning.
 
Already leading 2-0, Mallory Peyton would reach on an error from BCU right fielder Kaira Cabato that allowed Jenny Schaper and Kayla Kowalik to score unearned on the play.
 
The Wildcats of Kentucky would add another four runs in the home-half of third, using a two-run double from Schaper to cross Bailey Vick and Grace Baalman. That was followed by an Abbey Cheek RBI single up the middle that vaulted UK to an 8-0 advantage.
 
Bethune-Cookman (4-9), facing the second of three nationally ranked opponents during the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, would get on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning.
 
BCU left fielder Kaiya Epps-Lee doubled to the wall in center field, driving around Sasha Killings and Cheyenne Smith in order to trim the deficit, 9-2.
 
However, the run-rule would come into effect in the bottom of the fifth after Cheek lifted a two-out homer to left field, producing the final 10-2 score line.
 
The win was taken by Kentucky's Grace Baalman (2-3) in a relief effort, as she worked an inning in the pitcher's circle, striking out one batter and allowing a pair of hits. The loss was taken by BCU sophomore Victoria Guzman (2-2) as she went the distance, being touched for 10 runs (eight earned) on 10 hits and three walks.
 
The Wildcats offense accounted for six hits in the game, one of those being the two-run double from Epps-Lee. Cheyenne Smith added a 1-for-2 showing at the plate, while teammate Jacki Smith was also 1-for-2.
 
Bethune-Cookman will conclude its participation in this year's Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on Saturday evening when the Wildcats face off against Cal State Fullerton (5:30 p.m.) and No. 13 Arizona State (8 p.m.). All games for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic are listed as PST.
 
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