Alabama Softball took down Oregon State by a score of 6-0. The win gave Alabama the Tuscaloosa Regional championship and they will now advance to the Super Regionals against Washington in Seattle.
Alabama softball capped off the regional with a shutout of Oregon State. The Beavers came out of the loser’s bracket Saturday night after beating Wisconsin. The regional was headlined by many weather delays and two run-rule victories by the Crimson Tide.
Here’s a remarkable stat: Alabama is the only team in the NCAA to advance to the Super Regionals every year the Super Regional has been in instituted. That is a total of 14 regional championships. That’s an impressive stat, especially considering how difficult this season has been. Now, all eyes turn to Seattle as Alabama will face fifth-seeded Washington for a chance to participate in the WCWS.
Does Alabama Have A Shot?
Alabama has already faced Washington this season and in Seattle as well. Earlier, Alabama participated in the Husky Classic, where Alabama didn’t fare too well. They got run-ruled in the first game 8-0, followed by a 1-4 loss in game two. At that time, Washington was the top team in the country. Is Alabama bound to repeat?
Sure, there is a good chance that Alabama could repeat the same mistakes. After all, Washington is a very powerful team. That especially goes for their pitching lineup. The pitching lineup averages 1.13 ERA and totals 431 strikeouts. Alabama could go cold on batting just as they did in the Husky Classic. These are likely scenarios.
However, Alabama does have an upper hand in that this isn’t the same team Washington faced in March. The Tide has been absolutely red hot since the last game of the Georgia series. Pitching has been more precise, the defenseless error-prone and the offense laying the hits down. If they can carry the momentum from the regional win, they can surely compete and maybe even pull off the upset.
Washington will be ready, that much is for sure. Crimson Tide fans should hope the Patrick Murphy and his squad are as ready as they can be and bring their best effort to Seattle. A WCWS bid would be a huge accomplishment for a squad that has endured many struggles this season.
Next: NCAA Regional: Alabama Softball Run-Rules Wisconsin 9-1
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Alabama will play Washington in a best-of-three-games, Super Regional. Times and TV schedule are TBA. Winner will advance to the WCWS.