Alabama Softball took care of business to open the home schedule at Rhoades Stadium. After taking down Georgia State 5-1, the Crimson Tide took a big win over ninth-ranked Florida State 3-0.
Alabama softball freshman pitcher Madison Preston (2-0) earned her second win of the season in the circle against Georgia State. She played a complete game allowing no earned runs. For Georgia State, Mallory Parson (0-10) earned the loss with two innings of work. Of the three pitchers who played for Georgia State, there were no strikeouts.
For Florida State, senior Alexis Osorio (3-1) got the win with her best performance of the season. She pitched 10 strikeouts with just 3 hits in the complete-game effort. Florida State’s Kylee Henson (5-2) gets the loss with three earned runs in four innings.
The two wins, including the win over a ranked opponent, was the exact boost Alabama softball needed after the disappointing loss last weekend against Baylor.
Alabama’s Great Start
Despite the loss against Baylor, Alabama has been clicking on all cylinders this season.
Of course, this isn’t anything new for Alabama softball fans. They are always used to great starts. Usually, however, these starts come with reserves for fans. Last year, the batting wasn’t nearly as good as it could have been and it ultimately hurt Alabama in the end. This year, this team just looks different. Not just on offense, either. The whole team just looks determined and focused. They are swinging at the right pitches and the pitching itself is doing great. It just looks complete.
For offense, it’s been about quick starts and hitting the correct pitches. That was definitely evident in the game against Georgia State. The no-strikeout game wasn’t a fluke. Alabama wasn’t swinging at pitches that it had no business swinging at. The quick starts also create momentum that many opponents have trouble overcoming.
In the circle, the rotation is working extremely well. Osorio is continuing to show why she’s one of the best pitchers in the game. Behind her, however, it only gets better. Junior college transfer Courtney Gettins has had two wins with just one run earned and all ended in run-rule. Then you look at Preston, who has had a hot start to the year.
Despite the tough early-season schedule, this Alabama softball team is playing with confidence.
Next: Alabama Basketball: Tide Looking to Stop Two Game Skid
Next up
Alabama continues the Easton Bama Bash with another doubleheader. Alabama faces UNI at 1:30 PM, followed by Florida State again at 4 PM. The game will be available to watch on SEC Network+.