LSU Softball opened their SEC Conference play this weekend against none other than the Alabama Crimson Tide, who came in as the No.2-ranked team in the country. However, LSU stood their ground against the Tide, winning both games in Saturday’s double header; the first game they won 13-6 and the second 5-1. But the Tigers couldn’t complete the sweep, losing today’s game against Alabama by one run.
The Tigers struggled against Alabama’s ace pitcher, Montana Fouts. Fouts pitched a complete game, giving up three hits and a run while striking out 10. Danieca Coffey led the Tigers in the loss with two hits. Morgan Cummins also had a hit for LSU off the bench.
While Fouts led the way for Alabama in the field, the Crimson Tide also held their own at the plate to secure the win. Jenna Johnson led Alabama with two hits. Ally Shipman, Megan Bloodworth, and Bailey Dowling each added hits for the Crimson Tide. Dowling hit a home run for the Tide, and Bloodworth hit a double, the only two multiple-base hits of the game.
Both teams got settled into the game for the first inning, but Bailey Dowling got Alabama going in the second inning with a home run to give the Tide a 1-0 lead. Savannah Woodard then walked, and Jenna Johnson hit a single, but LSU managed to get out of the inning before they could score another run.
But Alabama kept going in the third inning, as Ally Shipman singled to center field. She then made an impact on the base paths, stealing second and third base with one out. Megan Bloodworth managed to bring the run in with an RB1 double to extend Alabama’s lead to 2-0.
However, LSU answered. After Daneica Coffey hit a single and advanced to third base off of a throwing error, Ciara Briggs fouled out to left field. But Coffey was able to tag up and score, making the score 2-1 to end the third inning.
Fouts did the rest for Alabama, holding the Tigers to just two hit for the rest of the game. She struck out four in the final four innings to secure the 2-1 win.
While LSU couldn’t complete the sweep, it is good seeing that the Tigers have the ability to compete at a high level in the SEC this season. The Tigers will take on Southeastern Louisiana Tuesday at 6 p.m. C.T. at Tiger Park. They then head on the road Friday for a weekend series against Texas.