Bama Softball Defeats Central Michigan in NCAA First Round
5/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
 |
|
LOS ANGELES, CA — Finally the opening round jitters settled down and the Tide bats warmed up as the 13th ranked and second seeded University of Alabama softball team (43-18) defeated the seventh-seeded Central Michigan Chippewas (32-18) 4-2 in first round action of the NCAA Region II tournament.
The Tide threatened early drawing three walks in the bottom of the first inning loading the bases. Dominique Accetturo stepped to the plate with two outs and hit a grounder deep in the hole to Chippewa shortstop Stephanie Crews. Crews fielded the ball and threw to third for the force but the ball went through the legs of third baseman Allie Hansen allowing Ashley Courtney to score and staking Alabama to a 1-0 lead.
Central Michigan answered in the top of the second on a line drive single to left field off the bat of Stephanie Crews that scored Christin Sobeck, who had reached earlier tying the game at 1-1.
CMU claimed the lead in the top of the third inning, taking advantage of Alabama miscues. The Chippewas loaded the bases on a single, walk and an error and with one out, Christan Dhont blooped a single into right field scoring the runner from third and pushing Central Michigan to a 2-1 lead.
Alabama reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the third inning, beginning with a lead-off walk to Leah White. Jackie McClain struck out for the only the 11th time this season while White stole second on the third strike. Stephanie VanBrakle then stepped to the plate and after falling behind in the count 0-2, she worked it full to 3-2 before she found the pitch she liked and sent it screaming over the left-center field fence putting the Tide back on top 3-2.
The Tide offense struck again in the fifth inning, with VanBrakle once again in the middle of things. Following a McClain fly out, VanBrakle singled back up the middle and was pinch-run for by Deasy Phillips who promptly stole second. Following a Staci Ramsey strikeout, Accetturo stepped to the plate and singled through the right side scoring Phillips from second for a 4-2 Alabama lead.
"This is our sixth year in the NCAA tournament and it's always nice to get the first one out of the way," said Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy. "I feel like we made enough plays today to get the win."
Erin Wright (14-7) kept the Chippewa offense in check allowing two runs, only one was earned, while scattering five hits and striking out eight batters.
"(Erin) is kind of a 'bend but don't break' type pitcher," said Murphy. "She always bows up when we need it the most. She gets better as the pressure intensifies."
The Crimson Tide now faces the Cornell Big Red on Friday in second round action with the game being televised live on ESPN. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Fans can also follow all the action at www.rolltide.com where Chad Anderson 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.
NOTES:
--First ever meeting between Alabama and Central Michigan
--Jackie McClain records second most walks in a season in Alabama history.
--McClain has reached base in 16 consecutive games.
--Stephanie VanBrakle records second straight double-digit home run season.
--Deasy Phillips moved to seventh on the UA all-time stolen base list.
--Alabama is now 4-2 in NCAA First Round games and has won four of its last five opening round games in the NCAA Tournament.
