Tide Softball Game Delayed in Eighth at World Series
6/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Conclusion of game set for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday
Saturday, June 04, 2005
 |
|
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — With the game tied at 1-1 midway through the eighth inning between the eighth ranked Crimson Tide and the DePaul Blue Demons, rain and lighting reared its ugly head resulting in the NCAA postponing the restart of the game until 10:00 a.m.
Locked in a pitchers dual, Alabama finally drew first blood in the bottom of the fourth inning when Dani Woods (FR, Cockeysville, Md.) singled up the middle scoring Dominique Accetturo (JR, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) for a 1-0 lead. Stephanie VanBrakle (JR, Chambersbug, Pa.) led off the inning with a single up the middle and was pinch run for by Deasy Phillips (SR, Katy, Texas). Accetturo attempted to sacrifice Phillips to second, but DePaul pitcher Megan Huitink’s throw to second went into centerfield. Phillips, however, was thrown out trying to advance to third while Accetturo advanced to second.
DePaul rallied in top of the sixth inning tying the game at 1-1 when Jessica Evans scored on VanBrakle’s second wild pitch of the inning after she had broken up VanBrakle’s no-hitter earlier in the inning.
Through the first seven and a half innings Woods and Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) led the Tide offensively with two hits each. VanBrakle had recorded 11 strikeouts, a school record for strikeouts in a WCWS game.
"You hope to score a run in the bottom of the eighth inning and get it over with quick so you don't have to play three games tomorrow," said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy. "These are elimination games. If today's any indication, you could be here all day tomorrow."
The conclusion of the game will not be televised on ESPN. The winner will take on the Tennessee Lady Vols on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. CT.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Photos by Jeff Hanson)
The Tide's starting lineup is introduced before the game.
The Tide huddles up as ESPN cameras look on during the pregame.
The stage is set for a great Women's College World Series game in Oklahoma City.
Leah White sets to throw to first.
The Tide dugout watches the action.
Stephanie VanBrakle reaches to put the ball in play.
Jackie Wilkins makes a basket catch in center field.
Dominique Accetturo makes the play as her teammates look on.
Dani Woods records the putout at first base.
Ashley Courtney drives the ball up the middle.
Stephanie VanBrakle reacts after striking out a batter in the eighth inning.
Dani Woods smothers the ball at first as a baserunner stretches for the bag.
Dani Woods stretches to record the out.
Emily Currie shows the ball after making a play.
