Solid Pitching Pushes No. 9 Alabama Softball Past UAB, 2-1
On a night where both lineups were seemingly cold, Alabama softball was hot in the circle between starting pitcher Lauren Esman and Montana Fouts, holding UAB to just three hits in seven innings as No. 9 Alabama baseball squeaked by to a 2-1 win in Birmingham.
In the bottom of the first, the Blazers got on the board first with an RBI infield single by Lilly Crowe with two outs. However, it wouldn’t take the Crimson Tide long to respond.
In the top of the third, Larissa Preuitt hit an infield single, then stole second base to put herself in scoring position. An RBI-single by Ashley Prange tied the game, then an RBI-groundout by Bailey Dowling gave Alabama a 2-1 lead.
After scoreless fourth and fifth innings for both sides, an infield single by Dowling put a runner on base for the Crimson Tide. A sac-bunt by Emma Broadfoot then moved Dowling to second, but Valbak’s ninth strikeout of the night left her stranded.
In the bottom of the sixth, Fouts took over from starting pitcher Esman in the circle — the first time that Fouts had ever pitched against the Blazers in her career. Fouts made quick work of UAB in the sixth with two swinging strikeouts and a line out, retiring the side in order.
In the top of the seventh, Ally Shipman doubled to center field. A groundout by Preuitt then moved Shipman to third, but it was there that she would be left stranded.
In the bottom of the seventh, Fouts struck out the leadoff batter before forcing a groundout and leaving the Blazers with just one out left. Fouts ended the game with an exclamation point, throwing her fourth strikeout in two innings to secure the 2-1 win for the Crimson Tide.
Esman (3-0) was issued the win for Alabama, while Fouts (2) was credited with the save. Combined, the duo held UAB to just three hits on the night.
With the win, Alabama moves to 19-3 on the season while UAB falls to 10-11 with the loss. The Crimson Tide will travel to Austin, Texas, to take on Wisconsin, Texas and Texas State at the Bevo Classic.
See Also:
Montana Fouts Earns Wilson/NFCA D1 Pitcher of the Week Honors
Alabama's Montana Fouts Named SEC Softball Pitcher of the Week
Alabama's Jaala Torrence Tosses No-Hitter, Montana Fouts Strikes Out 12 in Softball Sweep
