WCWS Live Updates: No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 9 Stanford

Score updates and analysis from Oklahoma City as the Crimson Tide faces elimination for the third time in three weekends.

NCAA

OKLAHOMA CITY — It's win or go home for Alabama softball at the Women's College World Series. 

No. 5 Alabama is taking on No. 9 Stanford in a Friday night elimination game at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. 

The Crimson Tide found itself in the loser's bracket after a 10-5 loss in the first game of the 2023 WCWS Thursday afternoon. Alabama was able to put up some runs on a strong Tennessee pitching staff, but it wasn't enough because of defensive miscues and shaky pitching. 

Montana Fouts did not pitch for Alabama in the opening 10-5 loss to Tennessee, but head coach Patrick Murphy said she was available and would be available for Friday's game. 

Stanford is the team that eliminated Alabama last year in regionals. The Cardinal have one of the best pitching staffs in the country with NiJaree Canady (16-2, 0.52 ERA), the 2023 NFCA Freshman of the Year, and Alana Vawter (20-8, 1.82 ERA.) Stanford put up a good fight against No. 1 Oklahoma in its opening game, but lost 2-0. 

It will be a matchup of senior pitchers in the circle with Fouts and Vawter. 

Alabama is the designated home team and is wearing all white. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. first pitch on ESPN. 

Starting lineups:

Follow along for updates on the live blog throughout Friday's matchup:

See also:

WCWS Elimination Game Doesn't Scare Montana Fouts, Alabama Softball

Everything Alabama Softball Said After Losing to Tennessee in WCWS

Little Lapses Lead to Big Loss for Alabama Softball in WCWS Opener