Alabama Sweeps Easton Bama Bash, Stays Undefeated On Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team won the Easton Bama Bash on Sunday afternoon, after beating the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 9-1, putting them at 9-0 on the year.

Montana Fouts took the mound for the finale, her third start of the season and pitched lights out, per usual, recording three hits, one run, one walk and 13 strikeouts. Similar to the team, she falls undefeated on the season, 3-0. 

On the other side of the field, bats exploded from the get-go, posting three hits and three runs in the first and second innings, to take the early 6-0 lead. The team saw big hits from: Kaylee Tow, Ally Shipman, and a huge 2-run home-run by Ashley Prange.

"The only thing that I really ask is give us a chance to win, whoever starts, and they all did that," said Alabama softball head coach Patrick Murphy.

Not only were the bats impressive, but also the struggles from MTSU gave Alabama a couple free runs to aid the lead. In the first inning, a fielding error that should  have been a routine pop-up, kept Tide second baseman Kali Heivilin safe, scoring one run. In the second inning, MTSU relief pitcher Gretchen Mead walked two batters, forcing a run in for Alabama. 

The Blue Raiders tried to make a comeback in the sixth inning, with Mia Marinakis’ base hit ending Fouts’ no-hitter bid, and an RBI double by shortstop Laura Mealer to put MTSU on the board; however, it was not enough to stop this dominant Alabama group. 

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Alabama pinch hitter, freshman Jordan Stephens, came into the game and hit a 3-run home-run over left field to end it in the bottom of the sixth inning, sealing the Tide victory.

"She's probably the most improved player since August 30th if I could vote right now. She's doing everything right," said Murphy on Stephens performance.

The Alabama Crimson Tide travels to Lafayette, La., on Thursday, February 24, 2022, to play the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. It will be streamed via radio on 97.5 the Nick, first pitch is at 6 p.m. CST.