Softball dominates UAB behind explosive offense

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CW/ Hannah Saad

James Benedetto, Staff Writer

No. 4 Alabama run-ruled the UAB Blazers for the second time this season, winning after five innings by a score of 17-1.

The 17 runs scored by the Crimson Tide is the most since Feb. 10, 2017 against Towson.

“We are seeing the ball,” junior Claire Jenkins said. “We knew coming out here we wanted to take it to them and not mess around. We wanted to go right after them from the first inning to the end.”

Jenkins and junior Bailey Hemphill had their power swings going in the game against the Blazers. Jenkins went 2-for-2 with a double, a home run and three RBIs. The Cullman, Ala. native is having a career year at the plate and has fit in nicely behind Hemphill in the lineup. Speaking of Hemphill, she went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. The Lafayette, La. native has 56 RBIs which leads the nation.

“It was huge for us to come out on top today,” Hemphill said. “We came out swinging today and we just kept getting hit after hit and it was nice to see especially after Sunday’s loss. We kinda had that one inning where we were productive and nothing else really, so it was really good to see everyone come out strong.”

Despite a massive offensive output, the pitching and defense was just as good strong in the win. Junior Krystal Goodman (6-0, 1.54 ERA) continued her strong play in the circle. She pitched 3.0 shutout innings allowing only two hits. She was very efficient as she faced 12 batters and threw 31 total pitches. Madison Preston had a strong outing in relief for Goodman as she allowed one run on two hits.

“I’m really glad both of the pitches got in,” Murphy said. “We are going to need both of them down the stretch. It was good to see Madison out there, her drop ball was working, she didn’t walk anybody.”

Murphy continued to say that Goodman has really improved her location and her time in relief against Mississippi State was “awesome for her.”

Alabama heads into South Carolina for its fourth SEC series this season. Game one is set for Friday, April 5 at 5 p.m. CT.