Alabama Softball Opens Homestand with 9-1 Win

Junior Lauren Sewell got it done pitching and delivered with the bat as the Alabama softball team took down the visiting Panthers of Georgia State, 9-1, Wednesday night from the friendly confines of Rhoads Stadium.

The Crimson Tide improves to 27-3 on the 2013 campaign, winning its fifth in a row. Georgia State falls to 15-9 on the season. The win gives head coach Patrick Murphy, 799 on his career.

Sewell tossed a five inning gem, giving up one run on two hits while striking out three. She improves to 6-0 in 2013 and 23-1 for her career.

Sewell led the Crimson Tide at the plate as well, belting her first home run of the year, finishing 1-for-3 with three RBI, while senior Kayla Braud added her first home run of the year as well. Braud finished the night 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored.

After GSU started the scoring in the first, Alabama would answer in the bottom of the second. The first run of the inning was scored on a freshman Andrea Hawkins single that plated sophomore Danielle Richard. Braud then sent the Katie Worley offering over the right field fence for a three-run shot, her first home run of the year. All in all, the Tide would put up a four spot to take the lead.

The power would return in the third inning, with Sewell shooting a laser blast to left field, scoring junior Jackie Traina and sophomore Jadyn Spencer. The three-run blast was Sewell’s first home run of the season.

UA would plate two more runs in the fourth, adding to the lead and making the score 9-1. Sewell would send Georgia State down in the top of the fifth, ending the run-ruled game.

Alabama will continue the home stand this weekend, hosting in-state rival Auburn for a three game set. Game one will be Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.