Arkansas softball sweeps Kentucky

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas junior pitcher Katy Henry struck out eight and Lady Razorback head coach Jamie Pinkerton picked up the 200th win of his career as Arkansas defeated Kentucky 2-0, Sunday, for Southeastern Conference series sweep. With the win, the Lady’Backs improved to 15-30 overall and 3-10 in the SEC. The Wildcats fell to 17-14 and 4-10 in league play. The last time the Lady’Backs swept an SEC opponent was against Kentucky at home in 2005. “We had our backs against the wall and we had to come out fighting this weekend,” said Pinkerton. “We crept back into it (the SEC standings) a little bit, but we still have a lot of work to do.” Henry threw a complete game earning her fifth shutout and ninth win of the year. She also gave up five hits and allowed no walks. “We needed Katy to throw like that and she did a great job today.” Pinkerton said. “She’s our No. 1 and I didn’t hesitate to stick her back in game two yesterday. She wanted this game, and I stuck the ball back in her hand.” In the first inning, both Kentucky’s and Arkansas’ lead-off batters singled and got into scoring position, but the top of the inning ended with Natalie Smith stranded on second for Kentucky and the bottom of the first finished with senior Rachel LeMaster left on third. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Lady’Backs pushed a run across the plate, taking the 1-0 lead. Freshman Jessica Bachkora led off with a double to left field, followed by a single hit behind third base by sophomore Whitney Cloer. With Bachkora on third and Cloer on second, junior Dayna Huckabee dropped a single into shallow center field, scoring Bachkora. In the sixth inning, Kayla Johnson roped a double to center field which scored Huckabee from first base, giving Arkansas the 2-0 lead. Huckabee singled in the infield to reach base. LeMaster, Cloer and Huckabee went 2-for-3 on the day. Huckabee added a run and an RBI. Bachkora was 1-for-3 with a run scored and Johnson was 1-for-1 with an RBI. LeMaster had the only stolen base of the game, increasing her season count to 16 stolen bases and her career tally to 69, only four stolen bases away from breaking the career record. The Lady’Backs return to action Tuesday, traveling to Lawrence, Kan., to take on Kansas in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. For more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.