Once again, errors plagued the Crimson Tide as Alabama suffered its fourth loss in five SEC series. Disappointment struck Tuscaloosa as Alabama softball faced another setback in an SEC series.
Despite gaining momentum and holding the lead going into the fifth inning following a pitching change by Texas A&M, Alabama faltered defensively, allowing the Aggies to score seven runs in the final three innings, resulting in a 9-4 victory for the No. 12 Aggies and a series win at Rhoads Stadium on Monday night.
The momentum seemed to favor the Aggies, as they took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning. Alabama had a chance to seize the lead in the third inning, but a spectacular catch by A&M’s Jazmine Hill denied Kenleigh Cahalan a potential multi-RBI hit. The Aggies capitalized on two Alabama errors in the following inning, adding two more runs to their lead.
However, Alabama fought back after Tricia Ford replaced Aggie ace Emiley Kennedy before the bottom of the fourth inning. Despite Alabama taking a 3-2 lead, the Aggies swiftly regained the advantage in the next half inning, scoring two runs after a one-out hit by pitch.
Although Cahalan’s triple tied the game at 4-4 in the fifth inning, Alabama couldn’t reclaim the lead. The momentum shifted decisively in favor of the Aggies from that point onward. Alabama’s defensive struggles continued, committing two errors in the sixth inning, allowing Texas A&M to score five more runs. This cushion proved more than sufficient for Kennedy, who had returned to the mound in relief. With 26 errors in 15 SEC games, Alabama’s defensive woes were evident.
Coach Murphy emphasized the importance of minimizing errors and mental mistakes, stating that conceding extra outs and freebies is unacceptable. Despite scoring four runs on five hits, Alabama left five runners on base, missing opportunities to seize control of the game.
Kayla Beaver, Alabama’s starter, who had only conceded 27 runs all season, gave up a season-high nine runs on Monday night, with five being earned.
With this loss, Alabama’s SEC series record drops to one win in five, and their overall season record stands at 30-10 (7-8 SEC). Next, they will face the Razorbacks in a three-game series in Arkansas.
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