Softball Completes Series Sweep of Wildcats, 5-1
3/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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TUSCALOOSA — Locked in a pitchers' duel through the first four and a half innings, the Crimson Tide (31-6, 4-2) used a five-run fifth inning to score a 5-1 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats (12-22, 1-8) and a series sweep.
Both pitchers combined to allow only three hits through the first four and a half innings as Bama scattered single hits in the first, second and fourth innings but was unable to do anything with them.
The ninth-ranked Tide finally broke through in the fifth inning scoring five runs on four hits and two Kentucky errors. Leah White (SR, Grayson, Ga.) reached on a one-out single and took second when Kentucky left fielder Lori Melchi dropped a Jackie Wilkins (SR, Miami, Fla.) fly ball putting runners on first and second with one out. Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) walked loading the bases for Staci Ramsey (JR, Houston, Texas) who cleared the bases with a double to right centerfield, spotting Alabama a 3-0 lead. Katie Johnson (FR, New Braunfels, Texas) pinch ran for Ramsey and stole third. She came in to score on a Capper Reed (SR, Guntersville, Ala.) single down the left field line extending the Tide's lead to 5-0. Alabama loaded the bases again and this time Emily Currie (SR, Huntsville, Ala.) singled on a swinging bunt scoring Mandy Burford (SO, Anniston, Ala.) who was running for Stephanie VanBrakle (JR, Chambersburg, Pa.) who drew a walk earlier in the inning.
"If you look at the strikeouts to walks ratio this weekend it was much better than against Tennessee," said head coach Patrick Murphy. "We were patient, but we try to tell them to be patient but aggressive and it's sometimes hard for a hitter to distinguish between the two. We want them to swing at hitter's pitches, not pitcher's pitches and then if they get in a hole, just battle till they get out of it or until maybe they get a good pitch to hit. I think (Jackie) Wilkins was good at that this weekend, (Staci) Ramsey did a good job Dom (Accetturo) did a great job."
Five runs was all VanBrakle needed as she carried a perfect game through the first five innings, but hit the first batter she faced in the sixth. She kept the no-hitter until she gave up a lead-off single in the seventh inning to Amber Janneck who came around to score the Cats lone run of the game.
VanBrakle improved to 13-3 on the season allowing one run on only two hits in seven innings pitched.
Reed led the Tide offense going 3-3 on the day tying her season high for hits in game. She drove in a run while recording her fourth double of the season.
The Tide swept the series for the eighth time in nine meetings with the Wildcats.
There will be little rest for the weary as Alabama hosts in-state rival Auburn in a three-game mid-week series beginning with a doubleheader on Tuesday.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Dominique Accetturo laughs as she runs to the dugout.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dominique Accetturo hits one right back up the middle.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Mandy Burford receives congratulations from her teammates.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Ashley Courtney signals two outs in the inning.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Staci Ramsey is interviewed by CTSN.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Capper Reed throws the ball.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
The Tide dugout watches the action.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Stephanie VanBrakle delivers the pitch.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
VanBrakle records the strikeout.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Jackie Wilkins receives a high-five from coach Alyson Habetz.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Jackie Wilkins makes contact.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dani Woods stretches to get the out.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
