Alabama Softball Completes Series Sweep of Auburn
4/3/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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TUSCALOOSA, AL-On the first day against Auburn, the Crimson Tide (29-13, 12-3 SEC) ran the "Wright Stuff" out there and shut down the Tigers. In the third and final game of the series, the Tide ran Stephanie VanBrakle out to the circle and she proceeded to shutout the Tigers en route to a 4-0 Alabama victory.
Ashley Courtney led the Tide on the day going 3-3 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored, while VanBrakle (8-4) was the leader in the circle throwing six shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out five batters.
The Tide jumped on top immediately scoring a run in each of the first three innings. Courtney led off the game with a single and was sacrificed to second by Staci Ramsey. Jackie McClain then singled to right field scoring Courtney for a 1-0 Alabama lead in the first inning.
The Tide added to its lead in the second inning with Jackie Wilkins singling and stealing second. Courtney then singled to left field scoring Wilkins for a 2-0 lead.
Alabama continued the offensive pressure in the third inning when VanBrakle hit her sixth home run of the season making it a 3-0 Bama lead.
The Crimson Tide closed out the scoring in the sixth inning when Wilkins singled and scored on triple from Courtney.
Jennifer Wright came on in the top of the seventh in relief and strike out two batters to end the game.
Throughout the three games, the Tide pitching staff flexed its muscle allowing only one run in 21 innings while striking out 23 batters.
The Tide continues its home SEC run this weekend when the team hosts the Ole Miss Lady Rebels in a three-game series. Action will get underway on Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
Game Notes
* Stephanie VanBrakle hit her sixth home run of the season.
* Alabama swept the season series over Auburn and has now won four straight over the Tigers.
* The Crimson Tide pitching staff allowed only one run in the entire series.
* Jennifer Reach moved into third place on Alabama's all-time games started list with her 239th start.
* The Alabama pitching staff recorded its 2,499th all-time strikeout.
