Rachel Lawson (UK Athletics Photo)
About all Kentucky coach Rachel Lawson could say was that it was a “tough day” against No. 3 Alabama. The good news was that Kentucky scored six runs off Alabama standout Montana Fouts, a three-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year at East Carter High School. That was the most runs Alabama (26-2) has allowed this season.
However, the problem was that Alabama put up 11 runs against three UK pitchers and was aided by some key UK defensive miscues. Alabama got three runs in the third and fifth innings and after UK responded with four runs in the fifth, the Tide put the game away with five runs in the seventh.
“We had some miscues defensively. Once the score got out of hand it was going to be tough to come out (with a win),” Lawson said. “Defensive miscues really hurt us. Montana is great. I am pleased with how we put the ball in play and hopefully that bodes well for us (in games Sunday and Monday against Alabama).’
Lawson takes pride in defense and admitted it was “disappointing” to see a pitcher do her job and then things fall apart with shaky defense.
“We were positioned in the right spot and just didn’t execute the play. That’s very deflating,” Lawson said. “Making mistakes does not sit well with me at all.”
Lawson didn’t think her team was intimidated by Alabama.
“If we were intimidated we would not have had a big inning and scored four runs. If we’re intimidated, you would have seen us swinging out of the zone more and instead we made her make more pitches,” Lawson said. “The team is disappointed with the miscues and not making plays. It’s good when you are disappointed knowing they can win as opposed to feeling the pressure. We feel we belong in the upper echelon of the SEC.”
Tatum Spangler, a surprise starter on the mound, wouldn’t say the team was intimidated but did admit there were “nerves” playing against the Tide.
“You hear about Montana Fouts all the time. She is so good,” Spangler, who gave up four hits and one earned run in 2 1/3 innings before being lifted, said. “I don’t throw as fast as she does. I was trying to spin the ball more.”
She said scoring four runs in the fifth inning let UK know “we were meant to be here” against an elite team and what it takes to compete with a team that good.
“I was really pleased with how Tatum came out. She has not started an SEC game since her freshman year,” Lawson said. “She did a great job attacking.”
Game two will be today at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN2 while the teams play again Monday at 7 p.m. EST on the SEC Network.
Lawson said it was important to have some success against Montana knowing the Cats could see her again today, Monday, or in the SEC Tournament.
“It sends a message we can play with Alabama,” Lawson said. “Our SEC schedule is very tough. You just can’t put yourself in a hole.”
Both Lawson and Spangler were impressed with the sold-out crowd even with the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Five to 10 years ago the majority of the crowd had on crimson (for Alabama). It shows how far softball has come in this state,” the UK coach said.
“It was nice to know BBN was here. We were at home and they were cheering for us,” Spangler, who had one of UK’s eight hits and scored a run, said. “It’s just a great experience to be at this school and with this stadium and these fans, they are the best fans out there.”
