Alabama Softball Downs South Alabama, 4-0

The top-ranked Alabama softball team earned its second straight shutout, this time blanking South Alabama, 4-0, Thursday evening at Rhoads Stadium. After the win, the Crimson Tide improves to 18-0 on the season.

Junior Jackie Traina (9-0) allowed just three hits and struck out nine for her third shutout on the season. Junior Molly Fichtner tallied two of the five Tide hits, driving in three of the four runs on the night.

Alabama once again got a run in the first inning, this time scoring without recording a hit. A walk, an error on a stolen base and a wild pitch scored freshman Haylie McCleney to give the Tide an early 1-0 lead.

The Tide got some breathing room in the third inning with one swing of the bat. With the bases loaded and two outs, Fichtner unloaded a bases-clearing double to right to give Alabama a 4-0 lead.

Alabama will open the Easton Classic on Friday as the Crimson Tide welcomes St. John’s and Iowa State. The tournament will start at Noon and the Tide will open its day against the Cyclones at 2:30 p.m.  The game can be be heard on the flagship station for Alabama Softball, 99.1 WDGM, 991wdgm.com, and the Radio Pup application for Androids and Iphones.