Alabama’s SEC Tournament run came to a close in the semifinals losing to the No. 1 seed Tennessee Volunteers 7-6 Friday night.
The Crimson Tide were without their star pitcher Montana Fouts after injuring her lower left leg late in Thursday’s victory over Arkansas, forcing the Tide to turn to Alex Salter to take the circle for Alabama.
Before the start of the game, ESPN’s Holly Rowe spoke with Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy, and Murphy didn’t have much of an update except that he confirmed that it was a lower leg injury, and that Montana Fouts would be seeing an orthopedic doctor when the team returns to Tuscaloosa.
Both offenses came out hitting on all cylinders, starting in the top of the first inning with the Crimson Tide scoring four runs on two hits giving Salter a four-run lead to work with. Tennessee didn’t let the early deficit phase them as they bounced back in the bottom of the first and plated four runs of their own after Lair Beautae hit a grand slam over the left centerfield fence to even the score.
Tennessee would add on to their lead with two more home runs, a solo shot from Kiki Milloy in the second inning and a two-run homer from Katie Taylor in the fourth inning. All seven of Tennessee’s runs Friday night came by way of the home run ball.
In the top of the fifth, Alabama closed the gap to one run after Ashley Prange joined in the home run festivities hitting a two-run shot of her own to bring the Alabama deficit to one run, but that is where the scoring would remain with Tennessee beating Alabama 7-6 and advancing to the SEC Tournament final against South Carolina.
Alabama will now have to wait until Sunday night to find out where they will be headed for the NCAA Regional round.
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