Crimson Tide Score 11 as Alabama Softball Run-Rules Jacksonville State

The Alabama softball team opened its homestand with an 11-3, run-rule victory over Jacksonville State, Tuesday night at Rhoads Stadium. With the win the Crimson Tide improves to 33-5 while the Gamecocks move to 19-16.

Alabama scored the 11 runs on 12 hits, led by freshman Haylie McCleney’s 4-for-4 effort. The rookie scored three times and drove in two. Senior Kayla Braud batted 2-for-2 with two runs while Jackie Traina collected two hits and had three RBI.

Junior Lauren Sewell (7-0) earned the win in the circle, pitching 3 1/3 innings and striking out seven. Sewell allowed three runs on five hits. Sophomore Leslie Jury got the save, throwing 1 2/3 innings of hitless relief.

The Tide bats came alive in the bottom of the second with a strong five-run frame, pulling ahead, 5-1. Alabama loaded the bases with one out before McCleney scored two on a single to left-center. Braud’s singled to score freshman Andrea Hawkins. Both Braud and McCleney came around to score on an error.

In the bottom of the fourth, Traina plated McCleney on a single followed by sophomore Jadyn Spencer’s three run home run, opening the gap to 9-3. Traina ended the game in the bottom of the fifth with a single that scored two, putting the Tide up to the final 11-3 margin

Alabama will continue its homestand with a three-game weekend series against SEC newcomer Missouri. The two teams will start the series on Friday, April 5, with first pitch slated for 8 p.m.