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Renee Abernathy drills clutch go-ahead HR as Kentucky downs 3-seed Virginia Tech in regional play

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Don’t count out the Wildcats!

For much of Saturday afternoon, Kentucky was held in check by No. 3 seed Virginia Tech. But in the end, the Wildcats were able to rally and advance to the regional final with a dramatic 7th inning.

Entering the final frame down 4-1, Kentucky responded with 4 runs to take the lead. The go-ahead blast belonged to Renee Abernathy who drilled a no-doubter way out of right field.

Clinging to a one-run lead, the bottom of the 7th did not go off cleanly. Virginia Tech was able to get the tying run to second base with 2 outs, and an awkward play at first base appeared to keep the inning alive for another batter.

The play went to review with review determining Meeko Harrison did get her foot down on the bag in time for the out:

After Tatum Spangler surrendered 4 runs to the Hokies in the first inning, Alexia Lacatena was phenomenal in relief. Lacatena went 6 shutout innings with just 2 hits and 2 walks allowed while striking out 4.

With the win, the Wildcats are safely into the final for the Blacksburg Regional. They will face one of St. Francis, Miami (Oh.) or Virginia Tech at 2 pm ET Sunday needing one win to advance out of the regional round.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.

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