Alabama Softball Can't Find Key Hit in Series Loss to Arkansas

The Crimson Tide once again left the bases loaded in its final at-bat as the Razorbacks won 2-1 in the 10th inning.

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – It was like deja for Alabama softball. Once again, in its final at-bat of the night, the Crimson Tide loaded the bases to put the winning runners on base, and once again, Alabama couldn't come through with the key hit. 

Montana Fouts threw a career-high 173 pitches in 10 innings, but got just one run of support as the Crimson Tide dropped the game and series to Arkansas with a 2-1 loss. 

"In that last inning, we get three hits from our veterans back-to-back-to-back, and then maybe a younger player or someone who doesn’t have as much experience in those pressure situations comes up," Alabama associate head coach Alyson Habetz said after the game. "However, that experience alone is going to help us down the road because the more they’re in those clutch situations now, even if they don’t come through, they know what that pressure and anxiety feels like and it will definitely benefit them in the long run."

Rylin Hedgecock's solo home run with one out in the top half of the 10th, gave the Razorbacks the win. 

Through the first nine innings of game there with Arkansas, the Crimson Tide mustered just two hits. Alabama's lone run came on a solo home run from Emma Broadfoot that grazed off a Razorback glove to get over the wall in the second inning. 

Alabama left the bases loaded in both the eighth and 10th innings. Head coach Patrick Murphy was ejected in the ninth inning arguing a check swing. 

Follow along on the live blog for updates from Rhoads Stadium:

Starting lineups:

Arkansas

1. Reagan Johnson- CF

2. Raigan Kramer- LF

3. Rylin Hedgecock- DP

4. Hannah Gammill- 3B

5. Cylie Halvorson- 1B

6. Kacie Hoffmann- RF

7. Lauren Carmenzind- C

8. Atalyia Rijo- SS

9. Rylee Cloud- 2B

Starting pitcher: Chenise Delce

Alabama

1. Kenleigh Cahalan- SS

2. Ashley Prange- 3B

3. Ally Shipman- C

4. Bailey Dowling- DP

5. Faith Hensley- CF

6. Emma Broadfoot- 1B

7. Jenna Johnson- LF

8. Kali Heivilin- 2B

9. Kat Grill

Starting pitcher: Montana Fouts

See also:

Seventh-Inning Rally Falls Short for Alabama Softball in 5-3 Loss to Arkansas

Alabama Softball Celebrates Ally Shipman Even More than First SEC Win