Timely Hitting, Perfect Relief Effort Guide No. 15 Alabama Softball in 4-3 Victory Over UAB
In a picturesque evening at Rhoads Stadium, Alabama Softball clinched a significant victory against in-state rivals UAB, triumphing 4-3 on Wednesday.
The scoring commenced in the second inning when UAB’s Olivia Valbak capitalized on a throwing error by Alabama’s starter, Jaala Torrence, driving in the game’s opening run. Subsequently, Alyssa Aguilar reached base and later scored on a single to right field by Hannah Miles, granting the Blazers a 2-0 lead.
Alabama swiftly responded in the bottom of the third inning, as Jenna Johnson’s impressive solo home run sparked momentum for the Crimson Tide. Shortly after, following a hit-by-pitch to Kali Heivilin and a walk to Abby Duchscherer, Kenleigh Cahalan’s two-RBI single propelled Alabama into a 3-2 lead.
Head coach Patrick Murphy commended Johnson’s home run, highlighting its rarity as an opposite-field shot, especially against a challenging pitcher known for her drop balls. Despite UAB’s resilient effort, knotting the game 3-3 in the fifth inning courtesy of hits from Auburn Dupree and Miles, Alabama maintained their resolve.
Johnson continued her stellar performance in the bottom of the sixth, delivering a crucial single that brought Kristen White home, giving Alabama a 4-3 lead. In the top of the seventh, Crimson Tide freshman Jocelyn Briski sealed the victory with three innings of flawless relief work, striking out five UAB batters.
Reflecting on Briski’s performance, Murphy noted her consistency and control, emphasizing her improvement from the previous night. With the win, Alabama improved to 24-5 for the season, setting their sights on a home matchup against No. 16 Virginia Tech on Friday.
Murphy acknowledged the strength of the upcoming opponent, recognizing Virginia Tech’s solid program and talented pitchers. He expressed his intention to visit their program in the near future, emphasizing the caliber of competition akin to an SEC weekend.
