Softball Closes Regular Season with Sweep of Maryland
5/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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» Game 1 Box Score
» Game 2 Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, MD—The 13th ranked University of Alabama softball team (41-16) never gave the Maryland Terrapins a chance as the Tide pitchers struck out 21 batters en route to a 3-1 and 3-0 doubleheader sweep of the Maryland Terrapins (29-25).
In the first game, Alabama was in business in the top of the third inning, loading the bases with one out. Jackie Wilkins reached on a one-out single and stole second. Ashley Courtney followed with a hit by pitch and Leah White loaded the bases with a first-pitch single back up the middle. Capper Reed popped out on the infield for the second out of the inning, but Jackie McClain drew a walk scoring Wilkins and Alabama had a 1-0 lead.
Maryland tied the game in the bottom of the third on a two-out, run scoring triple from Nneka Cardoza tying the game at 1-1.
The Crimson Tide reclaimed the lead in the top of the fourth inning, beginning with a lead off single from Dominique Accetturo and a sacrifice to second from Staci Ramsey. Angela Johnson flew out to centerfield followed by a two-out single up the middle from Wilkins scoring Accetturo from second putting the Tide back on top 2-1. Courtney then followed with a double to right centerfield scoring Wilkins and Alabama had a 3-1 lead.
Tide starter Jennifer Wright (13-1) recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts en route to the win, her fifth in a row. Wright allowed one run on only three hits while recording her third double-digit strikeout game of the season.
In Game Two, Alabama drew first blood in the third inning again, this time taking advantage of a leadoff walk to Kellie Deska. Jackie Wilkins sacrificed Deska to second who was then pinch run for by Emily Currie. Courtney then walked and after a Michelle Menningmann strikeout, Accetturo smacked a double over the head of Crystal Tweedy in left field scoring Currie and Courtney and Bama had a 2-0 lead.
Wilkins added to the Alabama lead in the top of the fifth when she turned on a 1-1 pitch and sent a line drive over the left field fence for her second home run of the season and a 3-0 Crimson Tide lead.
Stephanie VanBrakle (15-9) took the win, throwing the final four innings in relief. VanBrakle struck out five batters while allowing four hits and a walk.
Erin Wright started the game and threw the first three innings, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out five batters.
Alabama returns home this week to host the 2004 SEC Softball Tournament. The Tide will open the tournament on Thursday night at approximately 7:30 p.m. as the fifth seed against the fourth seeded Auburn Tigers.
