OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami softball team topped No. 8 Kentucky, 7-5, Wednesday afternoon in a seven-inning battle. The RedHawks took early control of the game, going up 5-0 after two innings. The Wildcats quickly answered back in the following two innings with five runs of their own, tying the game going into the fifth. After a great performance in the circle from reliever Brianna Pratt, a Holly Blaska two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the final push Miami needed to edge out Kentucky. 
 
How it Happened:

• Courtney Vierstra got the start in the circle for the RedHawks. The senior pitcher allowed five runs on four hits through four innings.
• Pratt took over for Vierstra in the top of the fifth inning and saw immediate success. Through three innings, Pratt shutout the Wildcats while striking out four batters.  
• Blaska went 1-for-3 from the plate with two RBI in the contest. 
• The RedHawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first courtesy of RBI singles from Karlee Juarez and Maggie Murphy. 
• A two-run double from Allie Cummins and a sacrifice fly from Kate Kobayashi extended the RedHawk lead to 5-0 through two full innings of play. 
• Kentucky mounted a counterattack through the following inning and a half that included a grand slam, ultimately tying the game at five runs apiece.   
• The RedHawks quickly regained the lead after Holly Blaska smashed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, giving Miami a two-run buffer. 
• The Wildcats failed to record a run in the final inning and a half of playing, solidifying Miami's 7-5 victory. 

Notes:

• Cummins went 2-for-4 from the plate with an RBI. 
• Karli Spaid went 1-for-4 on the day with a stolen base.

 Up Next:
Miami opens up MAC play this Saturday with a three-game series against Kent State. Opening pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.