Fresh off a five-run ninth inning on Saturday to secure a win against Southeastern Louisiana, Alabama carried the momentum over to Sunday’s regional final game against the Lions. The Crimson Tide used a nine-run first inning to complete a 12-2 run-rule victory over Southeastern Louisiana, securing their spot in the NCAA Super Regionals for the 16th time.
Alabama's pitching and defense have been consistent all year, but the Crimson Tide's offense has been an issue. Riley Valentine’s two-run home run off the scoreboard in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game might have been the spark needed to get the offense going, however.
Southeastern Louisiana struck first, manufacturing a run in the top of the first inning to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. That lead didn't last long as Alabama’s offense picked up right where it left off from Saturday. Alabama sent 14 batters to the plate in the first inning, with the first eight batters reaching with a hit before a single out was recorded. After 29 minutes, Alabama’s half of the first inning finally came to a close with the Crimson Tide offense putting up nine runs on 10 hits.
The Lions answered with a run in the second to bring the score to 9-2, but Alabama added three more runs in the third to widen the gap to 12-2. Alabama finished the day with 14 hits, with the nine-run first inning providing plenty of run support for the Crimson Tide pitching staff.
Jocelyn Briski started in the circle for the Crimson Tide and recorded her ninth win of the season, allowing two runs on five hits in four innings pitched. Jaala Torrence came in and pitched a hitless fifth inning, striking out one and preserving the run-rule victory.
Next weekend, Alabama will face the winner of the Knoxville Regional in a best-of-three series. The Crimson Tide are likely to face Tennessee, which won the SEC regular season and is the No. 3 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. If Tennessee is the winner, it will host the series in Knoxville.
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