Alabama Softball Splits Doubleheader at Easton Bama Bash

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team split its doubleheader at the Easton Bama Bash on Friday, falling to No. 15 Virginia Tech 2-1 before bouncing back for a 9-1 victory against Southern Utah.

With chilly temperatures hovering in the mid-30s, Alabama (7-6) struggled in the opening game against the Hokies (10-2). The contest turned in the fourth inning when a potential double play was overturned by a review, allowing a Virginia Tech runner to score from third base.

Despite a late rally attempt in the sixth, where Alabama managed to score a run on an RBI single, the Crimson Tide could not overcome the Hokies. The final out came after a diving catch from Virginia Tech’s outfield, sealing the one-run victory for the visitors.

“We just needed to have some better at-bats,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said after the game. “If we had played the first three innings like we did the sixth and seventh, it would have been a different story.”

In the second game, Alabama’s offense came alive against Southern Utah (3-8). Kali Heivilin initiated the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. The Thunderbirds tied the game briefly with their own solo shot in the fourth.

The turning point came when Kennedy Marceaux hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning, giving Alabama a decisive 4-1 lead. Marceaux’s heavy hit showed the confidence building in the young team.

“For Kennedy to come in with that big hit as a freshman, I knew we were going to start a run,” Heivilin said. “The pitcher was going to get rattled, and it just takes one hit.”

Alabama finished strong, with a two-run single from Kendal Clark, who was returning from a thumb injury. The Crimson Tide capped the game with an RBI single from Abby Duchscherer, invoking the run rule in just six innings.

“I love the way we finished,” Murphy added after the game. “If you have the opportunity to walk it off, do it.”

Alabama will return to the diamond for a matchup against Drake on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. Meanwhile, they have a Sunday rematch scheduled with Virginia Tech.