Bama Softball Opens SEC Play at Arkansas This Weekend
3/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
 |
|
After four weeks of pre-conference preparation the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide softball team (16-3) will open SEC play this weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas against the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks (8-5).
The series marks the sixth time in eight years that Alabama has opened its conference schedule against Arkansas posting a 14-5 record in those conference opening series. The Tide has an overall record of 21-7 against the Lady Razorbacks and is currently on a six-game winning streak against the Lady'Backs, and has won 12 of the last 13.
The history between the two teams dates back to 1997, and the series has produced some memorable moments, none more memorable than the 19-inning marathon in 1999. Bama won the game 12-7 behind All-American Carrie Moreman's NCAA record nine hits. In the 28 meetings, eight of the games have been decided by one run and Alabama has shut Arkansas out nine times, including the 2001 season when the two teams faced off four times with Alabama not allowing a run in any of the games.
The Crimson Tide comes into the weekend on a seven-game winning streak, and a six-game shutout streak. Bama captured the Frost Cutlery Classic championship last weekend going 6-0 as the pitching staff allowed only three runs the entire weekend while the offense rolled up 35 runs on the opposition.
Arkansas is currently on a three-game winning streak having swept Mississippi Valley State last weekend.
The series is scheduled to begin with a doubleheader on Saturday with the first pitch at 12:00 p.m. The two teams will play a single game on Sunday, with the first pitch also scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
Fans can follow all the action at www.rolltide.com where national-award winner Jarrod Shadrick will call all the balls and strikes. The broadcast will also air in Tuscaloosa on New Rock 90.7 FM, WVUA. Live stats will also be available at www.rolltide.com.
