Tide Drops Doubleheader Sweep at No. 21 Auburn
4/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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» Game 1 Box Score
» Game 2 Box Score
AUBURN, AL—The University of Alabama softball team (35-15, 15-11) was unable to get its bats going consistently as they were swept in a doubleheader by the 21st ranked Auburn Tigers (34-11, 15-8) 4-0 and 3-2 including a no-hitter in the first game.
Bama seemed to be off on the right foot in Game 2 when the Tide loaded the bases in the top of the first inning on a base hit and two walks with one out. However, Angela Johnson was picked off third and Staci Ramsey struck out to end the Bama threat.
Bama loaded the bases again for the second time in the game, this time in the top of the third inning and this time they were able to deliver. Ramsey delivered a first pitch single through the left side scoring Ashley Courtney for Bama's first lead of the day. Dominique Accetturo followed and after working the count to 3-2 she was hit by a pitch driving in Jackie McClain and Alabama had a 2-0 lead.
However, with two outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the third, the Tide defense shot itself in the foot with Accetturo overthrowing second base on a force attempt which allowed the runner to come all the way around to score cutting the Alabama lead in half at 2-1.
Auburn tied it in the bottom of the sixth inning on a Sara Ghezzi single down the leftfield line scoring Martha Phillips from second making it a 2-2 game.
The Tigers ended the game in the bottom of the eighth when Ashley Griffin drove a double into the right-center field gap advancing Phillips to third, however the entry throw from the outfield was bobbled and Phillips scored to end the game.
VanBrakle (12-9) took the loss allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings of work.
In the first game, once again Alabama wasted no time getting some offense going drawing three walks to load the bases with two outs, but Capper Reed was unable to do anything with it, popping out to second base to end the threat.
Auburn took a 3-0 lead, scoring three runs on four hits while taking advantage of an Alabama error in the inning. The runs were the first the Tigers have scored on Alabama in 25 2/3 innings dating back to a 2-1 loss to the Tide on April 2, 2003.
The Tigers added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth inning on a one-out solo home run by designated player Paige Jones, pushing their lead to 4-0.
Erin Wright (13-5) took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in five innings of work. Jennifer Wright came on and threw the final inning in relief and allowed nothing while recording a strikeout.
The no-hitter marked the second time this season and only the third time in Alabama history that the team has failed to get a hit.
Alabama will look to stave off the series sweep on Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 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 along with broadcast partner Chad Anderson. The broadcast will also air in Tuscaloosa on New Rock 90.7 FM, WVUA. Live stats will also be available at www.rolltide.com.
