This weekend, No. 17 Alabama softball avoided the sweep with a win on Sunday but lost the series against No. 3 Tennessee.
The Crimson Tide are now 32-14 overall with a 9-12 record in the SEC.
Alabama was unable to get any offense going, losing 5-0 in Friday’s series opener against Tennessee.
Alabama fell behind 1-0 in the first inning after a Tennessee sac fly RBI. The Lady Vols extended their lead with two more runs in the fifth inning and added another pair with a home run in the seventh, ending the game with a final score of 5-0. Despite opportunities, the Crimson Tide couldn't capitalize, leaving seven runners on base, including two in scoring position in the third inning and runners at first and second in the fourth.
"When we had first and second on with the top of the order due up, I really thought we were going to do something but the offense stalled,” said head coach Patrick Murphy. “We have to play clean defense and can't give them anything extra, but their defense also made some highlights. Their outfielders stole a few hits from us with diving catches, so you have to tip your hat to them. In the first inning, [Kayla] Beaver had someone 0-2 and ended up walking her and then she scored later on. It's just little things like that here and there that allow us to get in our own way."
For the second day in a row, Alabama was unable to plate a run against Tennessee, losing 2-0 in a pitcher’s duel Saturday night.
Alabama limited Tennessee to two runs, but struggled offensively, registering just one hit against Lady Vol starter Karlyn Pickens, a bunt single by Kristen White in the sixth inning. Freshman Jocelyn Briski delivered another strong performance, allowing just two runs, one earned, in seven innings for the second consecutive week.
Thanks to a couple of timely hits and a gem tossed by Kayla Beaver, Alabama was able to avoid the sweep with a 1-0 win in the series finale.
For the entire series, Alabama could not get the offense going against one of the best pitching staffs in college softball. Sunday’s series finale was no different, but the Crimson Tide was able to finally put across their first run of the weekend.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Alabama strung together a couple of two-out hits to put across what would be their only run of the series and ultimately the winning run on Sunday. Kenleigh Cahalan roped a two triple down the right field line and Kristen White followed with an infield hit to drive home Cahalan giving the Crimson Tide a 1-0 lead.
Kayla Beaver picked up win number 15 on the year with the complete game shutout, striking out six and allowing just two hits.
Alabama will begin a series at Auburn on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT, with a game on Friday at 5 p.m. CT and the series finale on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.
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