Late Bruins HR Puts Away Tide

Alabama softball took on the UCLA Bruins in the first game at Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series. The game got off to a later start than usual thanks to a lightning delay in the area but began an hour and a half after the supposed start time of 11:00 a.m. CT.

Get our free mobile app

Kayla Beaver got the start for Alabama and pitched the entirety of the game for the Crimson Tide. She gave up four runs on four hits and had four strikeouts, but the bulk of the damage done by UCLA came in the sixth inning. In a tie game 1-1, Alabama had two outs down with just one remaining and Jordan Woolery up to bat.

Woolery had her lone hit of the day during the inning and made it count most when she needed it to. The ball sailed over the top of the left field and out of the park, leading to a three-run home run to give the Bruins a 4-1 lead over Alabama. Beaver retired the next pitcher, but the damage was done.

Alabama returned to the plate but went three and out in the lineup to give UCLA the first victory of this year's Women's College World Series.

Alabama is not out of the tournament yet. The World Series is a double elimination, which means Alabama softball will play once again on Friday. The Crimson Tide will play against the loser of Duke and Oklahoma, which began after Alabama and UCLA finished.