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Alabama Softball gets two shutouts and a ‘No’ over Penn State and Lamar

By Chris Dodson

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 07: An Alabama fan smiles before the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Life Stadium on January 7, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 07: An Alabama fan smiles before the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Life Stadium on January 7, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Alabama Softball came out swinging Friday and took two shutout wins in the Sand Dollar Classic. New Tide pitcher, Courtney Gettins had a no-hitter.

Alabama softball beat Penn State 10-0 in game one and beat Lamar 13-0 in game two. Both games ended in the fifth inning.

For game one, Alabama freshman pitcher Madison Preston got her first career start and her first career win. While her strikeout count wasn’t high, there were plenty of groundouts made to keep the Nittany Lions in check. Penn State’s Jessica Cummings earned the loss. Cummings and relief, Madison Shaffer gave up four earned runs.

As for game two, Courtney Gettins also made her first career start for the Tide in the no-hit 13-0 win. The junior from New Zealand had a monster of a first game and is proving to a force in the circle. Amie Cisneros earned the loss for Lamar, with seven earned runs.

After the acceptable, but disappointing, effort against South Alabama Thursday, it was nice to see the Crimson Tide win and win big.

Impressive Starts & On-Fire Bats

One of the biggest questions headed into the season was the pitching rotation. With senior Alexis Osorio obviously the primary choice, it was up in the air who was going to be right behind her. After their performances Friday, both Gettins and Preston could make a case for being number two.

A No-Hitter for Gettins

For Gettins, the biggest statistic from her first start has to be the no-hit win. Whether it’s Lamar or Auburn, a no-hit is impressive. There isn’t much doubt that head coach Patrick Murphy saw something in Gettins, getting her to move to Tuscaloosa from a Florida junior college. She made quick work of Lamar and made it difficult for Lamar to get anything going.

Preston’s start was equally impressive. Sure, statistically, she would be overshadowed by Gettins. But for her first career college start, a one-hitter shutout win over Penn State can raise eyebrows. Her left-handedness presents a challenge for batters, as evidenced by the number of groundouts Friday. If she can keep it up, she could be a force to be reckoned with.

The pitching was great but the hitting was very good as well. Both Bailey Hemphill and Peyton Grantham, who were two strong leaders in batting for Alabama last year, put on a show. They combined for seven hits and five RBI from both games. Gabby Callaway, batting fourth, had a great game against Penn State. She recorded two hits and four RBI.

The two games really showed the good side of Alabama. It was feared that Alabama wouldn’t be warmed up enough for this tough non-conference schedule. Friday’s games helped to quell those fears and create optimism Alabama softball will do well in non-conference play before the SEC regular season.

Next: Alabama Softball Begins Season With 1-0 Win Over South Alabama

Alabama softball will play Virginia Tech and Florida A&M on Saturday. Follow Chris on Twitter.

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