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Alabama Softball defeats Southern Miss 11-1 for Tournament win

By Chris Dodson

ATHENS - AUGUST 17: Lori Harrigan of USA pitches against China during a preliminary softball game August 17, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Softball Stadium in the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
ATHENS - AUGUST 17: Lori Harrigan of USA pitches against China during a preliminary softball game August 17, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Softball Stadium in the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
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After a 3-0 start last weekend, Alabama softball began the Black and Gold Tournament with an 11-1, run-rule win over Southern Miss.

The Alabama softball win was propelled by two power hitters in the lineup, something that might show promise as the season advances. Senior pitcher Alexis Osorio (2-0) got the win in the circle. Solid as always, Osorio pitched five of the six innings and recorded nine strikeouts.

Jillian Johnson recorded the loss for the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss used three pitchers throughout the game, but each recorded an earned run. Alabama has yet to give up an earned run. USM’s only run came from an error in the bottom of the sixth.

Alabama’s 11 runs were easily the story of the game. Productive offense will be needed as Alabama continues it’s run through its tough schedule.

Bama Bats Shine

Alabama’s bats were hot one week ago and they continued to be warm in Hattiesburg. Unlike last weekend where it was more of a balanced attack, we saw some hitting leaders emerge in the lineup.

Peyton Grantham and Caroline Hardy both got three hits each in the game and combined for five RBI’s. Hardy’s hits were a career-high. She also got her first home-run of the season, a two-run homer in the 2nd. Freshman Maddie Morgan also shined with two hits and an RBI.

It’s good to see Alabama’s bats get hot as Alabama softball is going to be facing some tough opponents down the road, especially this week. Alabama has two ranked teams this weekend in McNeese State and Baylor. It would be nice to get out of Hattiesburg with both of these wins before next weekend when Alabama opens its home slate.

We always knew Grantham was a great hitter. To see Hardy and Morgan do well shows that there is some depth on this team. With last season being marred by injuries, it’s reassuring that Alabama will have strength if injuries occur again.

Up Next…

Alabama has  a doubleheader Saturday as they continue in the Black and Gold tournament. They will face McNeese State first at 1 PM and then Mississippi Valley State at 4 PM. The weekend’s huge game is against No. 10 Baylor at 1 PM Sunday.

Next: Tide Looks to Add to Kentucky’s Losing Streak

Alabama baseball opened the season on Friday against Valparaiso. The Crimson Tide cruised to a 16-2 victory against Valpo.

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