By: Cian Loher

Game 1

Alabama opened the final day of the Buzz Classic with a 7-2 victory over Longwood. Early offense was key for the Tide in this one, scoring 5 of its 7 runs in the first 2 innings.

Infielder Abby Duchsherer opened the day with fireworks. She hit her first career home run on a 2-run shot in the first. That was just the start of her incredible performance.

Later in the 1st, Kali Heivilin continued her hot streak with an RBI single, her 8th RBI of the young season.

Just an inning later, Duchsherer collected another pair of RBIs with a 2-run double to left. She finished the day going 3/4 with 4 RBIs, just a triple away from the cycle. She seems to have solidified herself as the 3-hole hitter for this Crimson Tide squad.

Kenleigh Cahalan, Bailey Dowling, and Lauren Johnson all tallied 2 hits in the game.

The main takeaway offensive was the ability to hit with 2 outs. The Crimson Tide went 7/14 against Longwood with 2 away. Alabama was also able to put a runner on base in every inning.

“There were too many easyouts yesterday. The idea today was to put the ball in play, and make their defense work to get us out,” said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy

Defensively, LSU transfer Alea Johnson got the start in the circle, the first in her Alabama career. She was only able to go 2.1 innings. Her final line: 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 K.

When facing some trouble in the 3rd, Alabama decided to turn to RHP Jocelyn Briski. The highly touted freshman had an eye-raising performance yet again.

Just a day after a complete game, Briski came into this one in relief and did an excellent job. Her final line: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 Ks.

“I have been incredibly pleased with the pitching staff so far. The main message has been to let our powerful offense go to work,” said Murphy.

 

Game 2

The Crimson Tide finished off play in the Buzz Classic with a 5-1 win over Georgia Tech, going a perfect 5-0 on the weekend.

The Crimson Tide offense was led in this one by big-time performances from Kenleigh Cahalan and Lauren Esman. Another example of the incredible depth of this Alabama roster.

“Everyone needs to be ready for their opportunity, and so far they have. We have a lot of kids that can play ball and that creates a bunch of competitiveness,” said coach Murphy.

Cahalan went 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Her RBI helped get the scoring started for Alabama.Esman, on the other hand, went 2-4 with a double and 3 RBIs. Her two hits came at the most perfect time for the tide. The first, a double, helped push the lead to 2. Her second hit was a clutch 2-run single up the middle in the 7th to give Beaver insurance heading into the final frame.

Starting pitcher Kayla Beaver took a no-hitter into the 6th before Georgia Tech was able to muster a lead-off single in the frame. It appears, so far, that Alabama has found its next superstar in the circle.

Beaver was able to finish off the complete game, missing the shut-out by a sac fly in the 7th. Her final line: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 Ks.

 

Up Next

Easton Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, starting on Friday.