Alabama softball takes first loss in 2024: Observations from T-Mobile Crimson Classic
Alabama softball hosted its final classic heading into SEC conference play.
The Crimson Tide went 3-1 at the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, where they were originally slated to play five games, but inclement weather took one game off the schedule. They picked up a 1-0 win over Northern Iowa on Thursday night, followed by a 2-1 win over No. 19/21 ranked Arizona on Friday night. Alabama dropped its Saturday contest vs. South Alabama 2-0 but capped off weekend play with a 1-0 win over Arizona.
Here are observations from Alabama softball's (19-1) outing at the T-Mobile Crimson Classic:
Alabama softball faced highest caliber opponents this season
In its opponents at the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, the Crimson Tide faced their toughest slate this season, and for the most part, they were up for the challenge. It faced No. 19/21 ranked Arizona twice, winning both times, along with facing solid opponents in South Alabama and Northern Iowa.
South Alabama handed Alabama its first loss of the season. It marks the second time South Alabama has defeated the Crimson Tide in their 17th meeting, and the second time South Alabama pitcher Olivia Lackie shutout the Crimson Tide offense at Rhoads Stadium.
Overall, it was a good way to end non-conference play for the Crimson Tide to get them ready for what's to come, as seven of the eight teams they are slated to face in SEC play this season are currently ranked in the Top-25 of either the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll or the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll.
Pitching, defense continue to get it done
While bats slowed down a bit compared to last weekend at the Green & Gold Classic, Alabama's pitching and defense remained consistent.
Kayla Beaver started in the circle for the Crimson Tide in their Thursday game vs. Northern Iowa and Friday's game vs. Arizona. Between the two contests, Beaver pitched 13.0 innings and gave up eight hits while striking out 12. She gave up one earned run vs. Arizona. Jaala Torrence started in the circle for both of Saturday's games, going 4.0 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out four vs. South Alabama, and going 5.0 innings, allowing three hits, striking out three and giving up zero runs vs. Arizona.
Alea Johnson came into close out Friday's game vs. the Wildcats, striking out two batters to get the save. Johnson also came into close out Saturday's game vs. South Alabama and Arizona, where she pitched a combined 4⅓ innings, allowing zero hits and striking out three. Beaver came in after Johnson to close out the final game vs. Arizona.
Alabama had four errors over the weekend and played its 10th error-free game of the season vs. Northern Iowa. It also made many impressive defensive stops, including back-to-back plays by second baseman Kali Heivilin, one which she made a diving stop and pass to first baseman Emma Broadfoot to close out an inning.
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2024 SCHEDULE: Alabama softball schedule 2024: Here's a list of every game with dates, times and locations
Too many runners left on base
In Alabama's four games at the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, it left a total of 23 combined runners on base, more than any of its opponents. It scored four runs across its four games but managed to out-hit its opponents 15-13.
Abby Duchscherer led the Alabama offense over the weekend, with a two-run home run and a single in Friday night's contest, where she went 2-for-3 from the plate for her sixth multi-hit game of the season. Heivilin and Marlie Giles each added solo home runs on the weekend.
"Offensively, we left too many runners on base," coach Patrick Murphy said following Friday night's win vs. Arizona. "But, Abby Duchscherer's home run was an absolute moonshot."
Left fielder and leadoff hitter Jenna Johnson saw her on-base streak extended to 14 games over the weekend for a new career-best. She leads the team with an on-base percentage of .509.
What's next for Alabama softball?
The Crimson Tide host their first SEC conference series next weekend when No. 13/15 Florida comes to Rhoads Stadium. Alabama will play three games against the Gators from Saturday-Monday.
Anna Snyder covers high school sports and University of Alabama softball and football recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @annaesnyder2
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball: Crimson Tide handed first loss at T-Mobile Crimson Classic.
