Tide Softball Splits Doubleheader with No. 8 Georgia
4/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
After dropping a heartbreaking 5-4 decision in Game 1, the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide softball team (39-7, 17-3 SEC) regrouped and claimed a 4-2 victory in Game 2 against the eighth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (46-10, 22-4).
Alabama took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning off a Staci Ramsey two-run single. Brittany Rogers led off the game with a single and then stole second. She advanced to third on a Jordan Praytor single left. Praytor took second with Georgia left fielder Kasi Carroll misplayed the ball putting runners on second and third with no outs. Staci Ramsey then moved into sixth place on the all-time hit list when she lined a single up the middle scoring Rogers and Praytor for a 2-0 lead. Praytor's single extended her hitting streak to 21 games, the sixth longest in SEC history.
Georgia scored single runs in the third and fourth innings tying the game at 2-2 before the Crimson Tide reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning.
Mandy Burford drew a lead-off walk to start the fifth and took second on a one-out single by Praytor. Ramsey moved up in the record books again when she doubled to right-center field scoring Burford for a 3-2 Tide lead. Ramsey's double moved her to fourth on UA's all-time doubles list. Then with runners on second and third and one out, Dani Woods hit a high fly ball to right field that allowed Praytor to tag and score for the final 4-2 margin.
Chrissy Owens (15-3) collected the win going the full seven innings while allowing two runs on nine hits while striking out six batters.
"It was really disappointing to lead for five innings (in Game 1) and have a pretty good lead and basically give it away was really disappointing," said head coach Patrick Murphy. "It shows a lot of what these kids are made of and their character to come back like that, especially in the first inning to come back and score two runs and to have (Chrissy) Owens do what she did too because she's been terrific."
The Tide seemed to have the first game sowed up taking a 4-0 lead into the sixth inning before the Bulldogs plated three runs in the sixth and two runs in the seventh for a come-from-behind 5-4 victory.
Owens took the loss in relief allowing one run, unearned, on one hit while issuing a walk while Stephanie VanBrakle started the game and gave up four runs, all earned on eight hits through six innings of work.
The two teams will play the rubber match on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT. 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 all the action can be heard. Fans can also follow the action on www.crimsontradition.com where a live video stream will be available.
It's also Fan Appreciation weekend at the ballpark as fans will be able to take advantage of a Fan Appreciation Special at the concession stands where they will be able to purchase a hot dog, popcorn and soft drink for $5.00.
GAME NOTES
Gm. 1
--Jordan Praytor extended her hit streak to 20 games, tied for sixth longest in SEC history.
--Dominique Accetturo scored her 100th career run.
--Kelley Montalvo recorded a career high three hits.
--Chrissy Owens' streak of 25.2 scoreless innings was snapped.
Gm. 2
--Praytor extended her hit streak to 21 games.
--Staci Ramsey moved to sixth on Alabama's all-time hit streak with her 212th career hit.
--Ramsey moved to fourth on UA's all-time doubles list with her 45th.
