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Alabama softball has always been solid
Patrick Murphy has built a powerhouse in the world of softball. Team 25 just won the Tuscaloosa Regional in the NCAA Tournament, and Alabama softball will see their season continue in the NCAA Super Regionals.
This win continues an impressive streak for the Crimson Tide. Alabama is the only team to make it to every Super Regional since the new postseason format was founded in 2005. With consistent coaching and a high standard for success, it’s easy to see why Alabama softball is one of the best programs in the country. After all, they haven’t lost a regional game since 2007.
Alabama pitched three shutouts in the Tuscaloosa regional thanks to Montana Fouts and Lexi Kilfoyl. Kilfoyl had 15 strikeouts against Alabama State in a combined no-hitter, and Fouts followed suit with 16 strikeouts against Clemson on Saturday.
Offensively, Alabama used a variety of strategies to get runs on the board. They utilize speed in the lineup to get runners on the basepaths, but the strength of Bailey Hemphill and other batters early in the lineup has made Alabama’s roster hard to stop. There are simply too many threats to pitch your way around any one player.
All season, Alabama has been led by Montana Fouts in the circle and Bailey Hemphill at the plate. Both had solid outings over the course of the Tuscaloosa Regional, but they struggled in the final game against Clemson. Fouts walked multiple batters, which is uncharacteristic of the precise pitcher. Hemphill had a strikeout and failed to get on base Sunday.
Still, Alabama persevered. Despite a few mistakes in the circle, Fouts pitched a shutout and struck out 12 batters as she pitched a complete game. While Hemphill didn’t get on base, she impacted the game behind the plate at catcher, and other players stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) to score. Taylor Clark hit her second home run of the postseason on a three-run shot to center field, Kaylee Tow had a sac fly that scored a run before Fouts entered the circle.
This is Alabama softball’s first time to have three scoreless games in the regional round, and they hope to make more history as their run continues against Kentucky in the Super Regionals.