Tide Softball Splits Doubleheader with 11th Ranked LSU
4/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The third-ranked Alabama softball team (38-5, 16-1 SEC) forged a doubleheader split with the 11th ranked LSU Tigers (40-7, 13-4) claiming the nightcap 7-0 after Tide dropped a 2-1 heartbreaker in the first game.
Bama immediately jumped on top of the Tigers in the first inning of the nightcap plating five runs on three hits while taking advantage of two LSU errors.
Jordan Praytor started the rally with a one-out single to right field extending her hit streak to 18 games, the second longest streak in program history. She then stole second and went to third on a throwing error by catcher Killian Roessner. Staci Ramsey roped a single to left field scoring Praytor from third and Bama had a 1-0 lead. Dani Woods followed with a double scoring Ramsey from first staking Alabama to a 2-0 lead. A Dominique Accetturo ground out advanced Woods to third followed by a Stephanie VanBrakle walk and steal of second. Kelley Montalvo was hit by a pitch loading the bases and all the runners advanced on Dani Hofer wild pitch scoring Woods for a 3-0 Crimson Tide lead. Ashley Holcombe then hit a high fly ball to shallow left field that was dropped by shortstop Andrea Smith scoring Montalvo and VanBrakle for a 5-0 Tide lead.
Alabama would tack on single runs in the fifth and sixth innings for the final 7-0 score.
"I don't think many teams in the 10-year history would come back like they did," said head coach Patrick Murphy. "(They were) very resilient. They're a bunch of fighters and that's what's so different about them."
Chrissy Owens (14-2) picked up the win, throwing her sixth shutout of the season, striking out 10 LSU batters while scattering five hits.
"(Chrissy) was incredible," said Murphy. "She's made a difference this year especially in our SEC schedule. In that second game (of each series) you don't want to go back-to-back with your number one. She just comes out and gives us a great effort every single time. I thought when she struck out the side to start (the game) that was a good statement on her part. I really didn't think she lost any zip until that last inning."
LSU wasted no time getting on the board in the first game as Camille Harris hit her fifth home run of the season, a solo shot over the scoreboard in left center field for a 1-0 Tiger lead. The home run ended Alabama's scoreless inning streak in conference play at 40.2 innings.
Alabama answered in the bottom of the first when Praytor hit her fifth home run of the season, a solo shot over the right field fence tying the game at 1-1.
After the two pitchers didn't allow another run over the next five innings, LSU reclaimed the lead in the top of the seventh when with runners on second and third and two outs, Tide pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle threw a ball in the dirt that got away from catcher Ashley Holcombe allowing Leslie Klein to score from third for a 2-1 Tiger lead.
Bama was unable to scratch a run in the bottom half of the seventh leading to its first loss in conference play this season.
VanBrakle (21-3) took the loss, her first in conference play and her first since dropping a 2-0 contest to then top ranked Arizona on March 18. VanBrakle finished with 11 strikeouts while allowing two runs on three hits in seven innings of work.
The two teams will square off in the rubber match on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT. Saturday will also be Kelly Kretschman Legend Day, honoring the four-time All-American and Olympic gold medalist. Kretschman will sign autographs from 1:15-1:45 p.m. and will then be honored in a ceremony prior to first pitch.
Fans can follow all the action on www.rolltide.com where live stats and audio will be available. In the Tuscaloosa area, fans can tune into WVUA, 90.7 FM where Nic Hoch will be calling all the balls and strikes.
GAME NOTES
Gm. 1
--Alabama gave up its first run in SEC play in 40.2 innings.
--Jordan Praytor's home run in the first inning extended her hitting streak to 17 games, tied for the second longest in school history.
--Staci Ramsey recorded her 700th career at-bat.
--Stephanie VanBrakle recorded her 15th double-digit strikeout game of the season.
--Alabama lost its first game in conference play.
Gm. 2
--Dominique Accetturo and Staci Ramsey move to ninth on UA's all-time games played list with their 247th game played.
--Jordan Praytor extended her hit streak to 18 games, the second longest streak in program history. Kelly Kretschman holds the school and SEC record at 35 games in 1998.
--Praytor's three stolen bases tied the stadium record and ties for second most in a game in program history. It was the first time a Bama player stole three bases in a game since Kelly Kretschman pulled the trick against LSU on May 6, 2000.
--Chrissy Owens recorded her fifth double-digit strikeout game of the season.
--Owens moved to seventh on the Alabama all-time win list with her 23rd career victory.
