March 17, 2008

Lexington, KY - The Miami RedHawks stumbled today against the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky. Despite some clutch hitting and key outs, Miami fell to the Wildcats 7-3.

The Wildcats jumped ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the first, however Miami immediately answered back. Sarah Billstrom led off the top of the second with a single. Christine Bills laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Billstrom into scoring position bringing junior Alexis Javier to the plate. Javier doubled to right-centerfield bringing Billstrom in to score. Kathryn Russette followed with a single, then senior Halle Popson's keen eye drew a walk - the 70^th of her career. Freshman Meghan Mawn singled through the 5-6 hole, tying the game 2-2.

The RedHawks were not out of hot water, as the Wildcats loaded the bases in the bottom of the second. Molly Johnson singled to right field scoring Meagan Aull. Natalie Smith wheeled around third trying to put the Wildcats up by 2, but was out at the plate with a solid throw from RedHawk right fielder, Kathryn Russette, keeping the score 3-2.

In the top of the third, sophomore Sarah Billstrom added another solid hit to left field. Billstrom wheeled over to second for her fourth stolen base of the year. After advancing to third, Billstrom scored on an error to tie the game 3-3.

However, the University of Kentucky Wildcats refused to roll over, as they added another run in the bottom of the third, making the score 4-3. The RedHawks' bats fell silent, and the Wildcats added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth, making the final score 7-3.

The RedHawks will travel Wednesday to West Lafayette, Indiana for a double header against Purdue at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Miami will then return home to Oxford to host the Best Western Invitational. The RedHawks' first game of the tournament will be Friday at 4 p.m. against the Toledo Rockets.