Tide Softball One Win from SEC West Title
5/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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TUSCALOOSA — The ninth-ranked Alabama softball team (51-11, 21-7 SEC) pushed itself one win closer to its second SEC West division title after defeating the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks (19-41, 4-23) 4-0.
The Crimson Tide's magic number to sew up the division title is one game, meaning it only needs to win once in its doubleheader tomorrow against the Lady Razorbacks.
In game one of the series, the Crimson Tide wasted no time striking for three runs in the bottom of the first inning highlighted by a two-run double from Dominique Accetturo (JR, Pembroke Pines, Fla.). Jackie Wilkins (SR, Miami, Fla.) led off the game with a single and took second on an infield hit from Jordan Praytor (FR, Vancouver, Wash.). Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) followed with a single scoring Wilkins and advancing Praytor to second. A sacrifice from Stephanie VanBrakle (JR, Chambersburg, Pa.) advanced both runners up a base and they both came in to score on Accetturo's double.
The Tide added to its lead in the bottom of the sixth when Accetturo hit her 10th home run of the season, a towering shot over the left field fence for the final 4-0 margin.
Accetturo paced the Alabama offense going 2-3 with a double and a home run while driving in three runs.
VanBrakle pushed her record to 26-5 on the season allowing only three hits while striking out a season high 13 batters and allowing no walks.
"The no walks is the best thing for her," said head coach Patrick Murphy of VanBrakle. "She's not putting people on free. She came back from 3-0 a couple of times, which was good. She doesn't get in panic mode."
The two teams will conclude the regular season on Saturday with a 1:07 doubleheader. Senior day ceremonies will take place just prior to the game. All the action can be followed on http://www.rolltide.com/ where live stats and audio will be available. In the Tuscaloosa area fans can also tune into 90.7 FM WVUA to hear all the action. The doubleheader will also be televised live on the Alabama Cable Network (ACN).
Game Notes
--Staci Ramsey's nine-game hitting streak was snapped.
--Capper Reed recorded her 300th career at-bat.
--VanBrakle has recorded a single-season high 193.2 innings this season.
--Jackie Wilkins recorded her single season high 62nd hit of the season.
--VanBrakle tied her season high for strikeouts with 13.
--Alabama's magic number to win the SEC West is one.
--Bama won its 51st game of the season, the second most in program history.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Photos by Jeff Hanson)
The team says a prayer before the game begins.
Staci Ramsey and Stephanie VanBrakle get ready for action.
Stephanie VanBrakle delivers a pitch.
Jackie Wilkins sets for her at-bat.
Ashley Courtney talks to coach Alyson Habetz.
Stephanie VanBrakle chats with coach Patrick Murphy.
Stephanie VanBrakle puts down a bunt.
Alyson Habetz goes over her notes.
Coach Murphy waves around a Tide baserunner.
Dominique Accetturo tries to make the tag.
The infield chats while awaiting the inning to begin.
Dominique Accetturo is greeted at home plate by her teammates after smacking a home run.
Dominique Accetturo laughs in the dugout with Jackie Wilkins.
