Alabama Softball Drops Series to No. 16 Florida
3/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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TUSCALOOSA—The seventh-ranked University of Alabama (28-6, 9-3) could not get much offense going as they dropped the series deciding game to the 16th ranked Florida Gators (29-5, 6-3) 5-1.
Miscues cost Alabama in the top of the second as Florida scored four runs on only one hit but took advantage of two walks, a hit by pitch, a passed ball and an error for a 4-0 lead.
Alabama threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning, beginning with a one-out double down the right field line by Jackie McClain followed by a walk to Dominique Accetturo. However a strikeout and a pop out later and the Tide rally was finished.
Bama mounted a small rally in the bottom of the sixth with Ashley Courtney reaching on an infield single and taking second when the throw to first got away. McClain was hit by a pitch and Accetturo drew a walk loading the bases with one out. Stephanie VanBrakle hit a slow roller to second that scored Courtney putting Alabama on the board and cutting the lead to 4-1.
Florida added a final insurance run in the top of the seventh inning for the final 5-1 margin handing Alabama only its second series loss in UA Softball Complex history and the second since the 1998 season.
Stephanie VanBrakle (9-4) took the loss allowing five runs on two hits while striking out 11 batters. It was VanBrakle's second consecutive loss but her seventh double-digit strikeout game of the season.
McClain's fourth inning double extended her hitting streak to a season high nine games.
The Tide will be in action this weekend when the team hosts the fifth ranked LSU Tigers in a crucial three-game series. The two teams will get together for a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. The final game of the series is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday which will be televised live on SEC-TV.
