Softball Claims Series Sweep over No. 15 Mississippi State
3/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. ?? The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team used a complete pitching performance from senior Chrissy Owens and some late inning hitting to down No. 15 Mississippi State 3-0 Sunday afternoon at the MSU Softball Field. With the win, the Tide improves to 24-3 overall and 6-2 in Southeastern Conference play while the Bulldogs fall to 22-9 overall and 1-5 in league play.
Owens hurled an 89 pitch gem by going the distance for the Tide. Owens held the Bulldog bats at bay by scattering seven hits and striking out four without allowing a run. With the win, the senior improves to a perfect 8-0 on the season.
After four innings of stellar pitching, the Alabama bats came to life by plating three runs on four hits in the fifth to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
The reigning national and SEC player of the week, Kelley Montalvo continued her brilliance at the plate with the big blow. After two singles by Kellie Eubanks and Brittany Rogers, Montalvo cleared the bases with a double off the left-center wall to hand UA a 2-0 lead.
With Montalvo on third after advancing on the throw on her double, Lauren Parker brought in Montalvo on a hit that was mishandled by Ali Bainbridge at second.
Rogers led the Tide at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort and a stolen base. Montalvo finished 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored while, Dani Woods (1-for-2), Charlotte Morgan (1-for-3) and Eubanks (1-for-3) added to the six-hit attack.
Sammie Jo Bailey led the Bulldogs with a 3-for-3 day. Mississippi State collected seven hits but were unable to cross the plate against Owens.
Kelsey Nurnberg also went the distance, but was tagged with the loss after allowing three runs, two earned, with two strikeouts and two walks.
Alabama will take a break from SEC play next week and head to Chattanooga, Tenn. for two games. Alabama will begin the week on Wednesday, March 19 against Kent State at 1 p.m. The Tide will then face UT-Chattanooga at 5 p.m. at Jim Frost Stadium.
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