TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –The Alabama softball team swept its double header against Middle Tennessee State in the Crimson Tide’s Fall Brawl I at Rhoads Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Typical of fall games, UA head coach Patrick Murphy played with his lineup throughout the game, using both games to try different lineups and combinations. He also used the doubleheader to get a good look at his freshman class.
“In the fall, we try to mix the lineup up as much as possible so we can see who does what in specific situations,” Murphy said. “For example, you have Haylie McCleney leading off in the first game and batting ninth in the second game. I want to see who does what in a pressure situation – that’s what the fall is for.”
“It’s great to see all the freshmen get some action out there,” Murphy said. “All five performed really well and had some great at-bats. We also had a lot of good defensive plays out there today.”
Murphy also praised his pitchers – who blanked the Blue Raiders in both games – as well as the crowd on hand for the fall action.
“I thought all three pitchers pitched really well,” Murphy said. “We also had a great crowd today, which helped keep everyone pumped up throughout. Our fans really are amazing.”
Alabama returns to action Sunday, Oct. 19 in Fall Brawl II, when the Tide will face Mobile College starting at 2 p.m.
GAME ONE
Alabama beat Middle Tennessee State 12-0 in game one of the Fall Brawl I double header in five and a half innings.
Alabama scattered 13 hits on the day and scored all 12 runs in two six-run bursts. In the bottom of the third inning Chandler Dare tallied the first run on a Haley McCleney triple. The Tide plated four more runs before heading back to the dugout. Then after going scoreless in the fourth inning, Alabama scored six more runs in the bottom of the fifth, including Danielle Richard’s three-run homer.
Alabama’s Leslie Jury picked up the win for Alabama while Kelci Cheney took the loss for the Blue Raiders.
GAME TWO
In game two of Fall Brawl I, Alabama downed Middle Tennessee State, 9-0 in six innings.
Alabama scored at least one run in the first three inning and three in the sixth inning to close out the Blue Raiders. Jadyn Spencer and Chandler Dare both sent the ball out of the park in game two, with Spencer hitting a homerun in the bottom of the first inning and Dare going yard in the second inning.
Freshman Alexis Osorio picked up the win for the Crimson Tide, while Megan Chocallo was tagged for the loss for the MTSU.
