By: Adam Baranovsky

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.Superb pitching was the catalyst behind the Alabama Softball victory against Robert Morris University on Friday night at Rhoads Stadium to improve to a 13-3 record on the season.

Lauren Esman was in control from beginning to end pitching a complete game shutout with nine strikeouts and just four hits allowed.

“My goal is always to have quick outs no matter if it’s a strikeout, pop-up or fly-out. If I can have batters on their toes and keeping the ball out of the outfield we can continue to be successful, and that was my goal for the game,” Esman said.

The offense for the Crimson Tide was nonexistent after the third inning Ashley Prange home run, and Head Coach Patrick Murphy admitted that the offense could have been better. Four runs was the second lowest runs scored in a win for Alabama all season.

“Prange’s home run was a great shot, but disappointing that we couldn’t get anything after that. Same thing with Kali Heivilin, she took advantage by scoring a run from a throwing mistake. Other than the first inning we didn’t really do what we wanted to do offensively,” Murphy said.

The Alabama Softball team continues their marathon at Rhoads Stadium tomorrow for a doubleheader against Robert Morris University and Longwood University at 11 a.m. C.T. and 1:30 p.m. C.T.

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