VanBrakle Leads Tide Softball to Extra Inning Win Over Wisconsin
2/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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CHATTANOOGA, TN—Tide sophomore Stephanie VanBrakle carried the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide to a 1-0, eight-inning victory over the Wisconsin Badgers (11-5), throwing a one-hit shutout while driving in the game-winning run in the eighth inning.
As has been the case several times this season, Bama (14-3) was able to put runners on base, but was unable to advance them, stranding seven runners through seven innings and eight total in the game.
The ninth ranked Tide was finally able to scratch a run across in the top of the eighth inning. Ashley Courtney was placed on second as per the international tie break rule and took third on an Angela Johnson sacrifice. Jackie McClain bounced out to first base, but VanBrakle delivered a one-out single up the middle scoring Courtney for a 1-0 Bama lead.
In Wisconsin's half of the eighth, VanBrakle was able to strand Anastasia Miller, Wisconsin's tiebreak runner, at second retiring the side in order for the win.
VanBrakle threw a one-hit shutout, her third shutout of the season, while striking out seven batters and walking only two. It was her second one-hitter of the season.
Dominique Accetturo paced the Bama offense going 2-4 on the day while extending her hitting streak to a career long 12 games, the third longest streak in Alabama history.
Bama will be at home on Tuesday, March 2 as they play host to the Samford Bulldogs in the Tide's final pre-SEC tune-up. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
