Alabama Athletics
Jenna Johnson Home Run Saves Alabama in Seventh, Crimson Tide Takes Series from Ole Miss
Just one game after its best offensive performance in SEC play, Alabama was on the verge of getting shut out for the first time this season.
But Jenna Johnson had something to say about it.
Down to their final out in the top of the seventh, Johnson lifted one just enough over the left field wall for a three-run home run to give Alabama the lead.
The two bonus runs were enough for Montana Fouts to work with in the bottom of the inning to win the game 3-1, clinching the series over Ole Miss Saturday afternoon.
This was the first time all season Alabama won a game when trailing heading into the seventh inning.
Outside of a double from Larissa Preuitt in the second inning and three walks from Ashley Prange, Alabama looked pretty lost at the plate against Ole Miss starter Catelyn Riley. The team had just three hits heading into the seventh inning.
But the final frame got off to a good start when Emma Broadfoot led off the inning singled for the Crimson Tide's first base hit since Broadfoot's last hit in the fourth inning. Head coach Patrick Murphy turned to three straight pinch hitters after that. Kali Heivilin singled up the middle with one out to put two runners on.
After a flyout brought Alabama down its final out, Johnson delivered with her third home run of the season, helping the Crimson Tide avoid the shutout, but more importantly, giving the team its first lead of the game.
Fouts was back in the circle after throwing just 67 pitches in her perfect game the day prior. She did allow a run in the fourth inning on a groundout and a few baserunners, but still managed to keep the Rebels off balance after facing them for the second day in a row, finishing with nine strikeouts.
Alabama (38-16, 14-9 SEC) will close out the regular season Sunday at 1 p.m. against Ole Miss (28-25, 7-16 SEC) and will soon find out its seeding for the SEC Tournament.
