VanBrakle Leads Tide to SEC Championship Game
5/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
 |
|
GAINESVILLE — Stephanie VanBrakle picked put the team on her back as she threw a one-hit shutout and hit a game-winning three-run home run in the seventh inning to lead the ninth ranked Tide (56-13) to a 3-0 win over the 11th ranked Tennessee Lady Vols (59-13).
VanBrakle (JR, Chambersburg, Pa.) was perfect through four innings before allowing her only hit of the game, an infield single. She struck out nine batters, a school record in the SEC Tournament.
With both teams locked in a pitchers' duel, Alabama had the first serious threat of the game, loading the bases in the top of the fifth inning with two out. Jordan Praytor (FR, Vancouver, Wash.) drew a one-out walk but was forced at second when Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) hit into a fielder's choice. VanBrakle delivered a two-out double down the right field line and Dominique Accetturo (JR, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was intentionally walked loading the bases. However, Staci Ramsey (JR, Houston, Texas) was unable to answer, striking out to end the threat.
The Lady Vols answered with their own threat in the bottom half of the fifth with Kristi Durant leading off with an infield single, their first base runner of the day. Tonya Callahan laid down a bunt but Ramsey booted the ball putting runners on first and second with no outs. A wild pitch sent the runners to second and third. VanBrakle recovered though getting the next batter to ground out to second and then she struck out the final two batters of the inning to get out of the jam. Prior to the single by Durant, VanBrakle had retired 12 straight batters to start the game.
The Tide finally broke through in the top of the seventh inning courtesy of a three-run home run from VanBrakle, her third of the tournament, setting a new SEC Tournament record for home runs in the tournament. Praytor reached on an error when Tennessee left fielder Katherine Card dropped a fly ball. Courtney singled up the middle advancing Praytor to third and VanBrakle then took the first pitch she saw and made it a 3-0 game.
VanBrakle finished the game 2-4 with a double and a three-run home run.
Alabama now faces the top seed Georgia Bulldogs in the championship game which is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live on FOX Sports Net.
Game Notes:
--Alabama pitching staff broke the school record for strikeouts in a SEC Tournament. The staff has 27 strikeouts.
--Stephanie VanBrakle broke the school record for strikeouts in a SEC Tournament game with nine.
--Alabama advances to its third SEC Tournament Championship game.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Photos by Jeff Hanson)
Jordan Praytor stretches out before the game.
The team huddles up as the game is set to begin.
Capper Reed hauls in a fly ball in rightfield.
The ball gets by a Vols' batter into Ashley Courtney's mitt.
Dominique Accetturo sets to throw to first.
Ashley Courtney signals two outs.
Dominique Accetturo gets congrats from Alyson Habetz at first base.
Leah White throws to first.
Stephanie VanBrakle delivers a pitch.
VanBrakle celebrates a key strikeout.
VanBrakle crushes a game-winning home run in the 7th inning.
VanBrakle celebrates her game-winning blast.
The team mobs VanBrakle at home plate.
