No. 15 Alabama softball rode three strong pitching performances to record the sweep over Ole Miss, improving their overall record to 29-8 and 6-6 in SEC play.
In the series opener, Alabama took the initial lead against Ole Miss when Bailey Dowling hit a triple in the second inning, leading to an RBI single from Kendal Clark. The Crimson Tide extended their lead in the fifth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, as Kenleigh Cahalan hit a double into the gap, bringing in all three runners to make it a 4-0 game. The score remained the same in the top of the seventh when the Rebels loaded the bases with two outs, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, a long fly ball to center field ended the game, securing the victory for Alabama.
Kayla Beaver recorded her ninth complete game of the season and her fifth shutout, striking out nine batters and limiting the opposing team to only one baserunner who advanced past second base in the win.
In game two, Alabama took an early lead against Ole Miss in the bottom of the first inning, scoring four runs on a hit, fielder's choice, error and bases-loaded walk. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 5-0 in the second inning with an RBI single from Bailey Dowling. However, Ole Miss managed to score one run in the top of the fourth inning on a throwing error, making it a 5-1 game. From there, Jocelyn Briski and the Alabama defense limited the Rebels to just two more batters reaching base safely for the remainder of the game, securing the four-run victory.
Briski pitched a complete game in her first career SEC start, earning the win with just one unearned run allowed on six hits and two walks.
Alabama completed the weekend sweep of Ole Miss with another solid pitching performance, beating Ole Miss 5-1 in the series finale.
The Crimson Tide jumped out to an early lead in the second inning after Kendal Clark crushed a three-run homer off the top of the scoreboard. In the third inning, Alabama added another run, extending the lead to 4-0. Ole Miss finally got on the board in the sixth with an RBI double, but Alabama quickly erased the run in their half of the sixth inning with a home run from Emma Broadfoot.
Kayla Beaver recorded her 13th win of the season pitching 4.2 innings of shutout ball, striking out seven and allowing just four hits. Alea Johnson came in relief and got the remaining seven outs to record the save.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
