News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
The No. 15 Texas A&M softball team clinched its SEC home opening series against Kentucky, 7-1, Saturday afternoon at Davis Diamond.
Texas A&M (21-9, 4-1 SEC) recorded 11 hits, including Tallen Edwards, Ariel Kowalewski and Frankie Vrazel with multiple hits, while Sydney Lessentine (9-2) went the distance with three strikeouts, and one run allowed on five hits.
The Aggies capitalized on a four-run first inning after sending 10 batters to the plate, highlighted by KK Dement two-run ground rule double to take a commanding 4-0 lead.
Kentucky (20-11, 1-7 SEC) reached on a fielding error to lead off the game, while Lessentine retired the next seven batters before they mustered their first hit in the third inning. In the fourth inning, the Wildcats threatened with runners on the corners after a hit and a fielding miscue, but Lessentine induced a pair of fly outs and a groundout to escape the inning.
After the teams exchanged four scoreless innings, Kentucky cut the deficit to three with a leadoff home run and threatened to draw closer before Kennedy Powell gloved a hot shot at third to end the threat leaving Wildcats on the corners leading 4-1.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Maroon & White responded with back-to-back singles from Vrazel and Powell before Edwards sent one over the left center wall for her second hit of the game to lead 7-1.
Lessentine shut the door on Kentucky with a strikeout, flyout and groundout.
