Alabama Softball Survives a Close Game Against Texas

Alabama softball continues its undefeated start to the season with a close 5-4 win against Texas on Friday night to start the Crimson Classic.

Alabama started the game out hitting strong, as Ally Shipman singled and advanced all the way to third in a hit that brought Ashley Prange and Dallis Goodnight home. The Tide then tacked on a third score with Kaylee Tow singling up the middle to send Shipman home, ending the first inning 3-0.

Texas proved to be a tough opponent though, as they responded being down 3-0 with a two run home run as the Longhorn's Alyssa Washington hit it over the fence in the second inning. Alabama responded right back in the bottom of the third inning in the form of Shipman doubling right to center and sending Goodnight home. However, the space the Tide created in the score was short-lived as Texas answered back in the top of the fourth with another two-run home run, this time by Katie Cimusz, tying the game 4-4.

Alabama didn't pull away for good until the bottom of the sixth when freshman Megan Bloodworth hit a home run to put the Tide up 5-4.

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"It was awesome," said Bloodworth. "My favorite part was when I rounded third and looked at the side of the dugout and everyone is just going crazy."

Fouts got the start on the mound tonight, though she had an uncharacteristic struggle-some game, recording eight hits, four runs, and nine strikeouts as she improved to 6-0 as a starter. Tonight was Fouts' first game giving up a home run since her start of the season against Oregon State.

"Montana battled. Obviously wasn't her best game, but she battled and gave us a chance to win, which is what we want," said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy.

The Tide ladies played in front of a sold out crowd at Rhoads Stadium with 3,940 fans in attendance. Coach Murphy took note of how the fans showed up to support the team.

"Just unbelievable, and I wish I can thank every fan individually. It's just a great atmosphere for college softball and it's a win-win for whoever comes here," said Murphy. "They get that feeling of Super Regional, we do, and it's just the best atmosphere in college softball."

Alabama looks to stay hot on Saturday in a doubleheader. First. the Tide plays at 2:30 p.m. CST against Texas, and then at 5 p.m. CST against Miami (OH) before closing out the weekend on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. CST against the RedHawks again.

To catch the Crimson Tide in the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, you can either tune into Me TV 97.5 FM or nick975.com for radio coverage, download the Me TV FM 97.5 App or watch them on SECN+ for live video.