Not So Quick: The Crimson Tide halts the sweep when LSU Softball wins the series.
LSU Softball finished off the series against the Alabama Crimson Tide Tiger Park on Sunday, with an 8-5 loss. The team had already clinched the series win with 8-0, 2-1 wins on the previous two days.
“This was a good series win, especially when you are playing a team in the Top 25, like Alabama,” said head coach Beth Torina. “Sure, we have to go back to the drawing board a little and make some better decisions throughout the game and how we manage the staff, but that is on me. Despite that, this is still a big series win, and I thought we had an opportunity to win this game as well.”
Redshirt Senior pitcher Ashley Vallejo got a chance to start in the circle for the Tigers. She pitched 3.1 innings allowing four hits, two earned runs, two walks with just one strikeout in her charged loss.
She was replaced in the top of the fourth inning with star freshman pitcher Jayden Heavener. This didn’t slow down the Tide though as they would grab seven hits, four earned runs, and two walks from Heavener’s 3.2 innings.
“…They’re gonna get hits.” said Heavener, “ My pitches were there, so sometimes it’s just not the way we want it to go…”
With the pitching struggles also came offensive struggles as the Tigers went five innings scoreless at one point in the game. When the team did light up they were led by All-American Infielder Tori Edwards led LSU at the plate scoring two runs, and two RBI off her 14th home run of the season.
The Tigers will gear up for a midweek Louisiana battle as Louisiana Tech softball will look to upset the team on Wednesday, April 9th.
In a dramatic series that had fans on the edge of their seats, LSU Softball took down the Crimson Tide, halting Alabama’s momentum and securing the series win. After a fierce battle that saw Alabama trying to gain control and potentially sweep the series, LSU showed their resilience and skill in the final games, proving why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
The Tide came into the series with high expectations, looking to extend their winning streak, but LSU’s powerful offense and sharp pitching ultimately stymied Alabama’s attempts to maintain dominance. Key performances from LSU’s standout players, both in the batter’s box and on the mound, sealed the victory and gave them a crucial series win that will help propel them further in their pursuit of a successful season.
For Alabama, the loss was a tough one, but the team showed heart throughout the series, battling it out in every game. However, LSU’s timely hitting and defensive plays proved to be too much to overcome, leaving Alabama’s hopes of a series sweep dashed.
