Feb. 10, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. - The No. 20/21 Stanford softball team dropped a 3-1 decision to Kentucky, Sunday, in the final day of the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. The Cardinal falls to 4-2 overall, while Wildcats improve to 4-2.
Freshman pitcher Kelsey Stevens threw the first complete game of her career. She allowed three runs on nine hits with a season-best 12 strikeouts, falling to 2-1 on the season. Kentucky freshman Kelsey Nunley picked up the win, improving to 3-0. She limited the Cardinal to just four hits and struck out eight batters.
Kentucky struck first, scoring a run in the top of the first inning. Short stop Kara Dill led off with a double to left field. Right fielder Alice O'Brien drove in the run with a single to right field.
The Wildcats added another run in the top of the third inning as first baseman Lauren Cumbess hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Dill. Kentucky then increased its lead to 3-0 with an RBI single by designated player Nikki Sagermann.
Stanford finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the lead to 3-1. Sophomore Cassandra Roulund reached on a fielder's choice and then advanced to second when catcher Jessica Plaza flew out to left field, and the Kentucky outfielder knocked down the fence. An RBI single up the middle by freshman Kaitlin Schaberg brought Roulund home.
The Cardinal threatened in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runners in scoring position and one out, but was unable to capitalize, stranding both runners.
The Cardinal returns to The Farm next week to play Santa Clara on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. for its home opener. The Cardinal will then host the Stanford Invitational Feb. 15-17 at Smith Family Stadium. Admission to all home games is free.