Lexi Kilfoyl Throws No-Hitter as No. 4 Alabama Softball Takes Doubleheader Over North Carolina
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Sophomore pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl got it done in the circle and at the plate for No. 4 Alabama softball on Saturday afternoon.
Kilfoyl pitched a no-hitter in Alabama's 2-0 victory over North Carolina in the Easton Crimson Classic at Rhoads Stadium, and had an RBI-double for her first hit of the season.
She finished with eight strikeouts while walking just one.
The pitcher made quick work of the Tar Heels, needing just 84 pitches for the complete game. Only two North Carolina batters reached base, one from a Claire Jenkins error in the top of the first and the other from a second-inning walk.
At the plate, Kilfoyl wasn't the only Crimson Tide batter to break out against the Tar Heels. Bailey Hemphill had her first home run of the season with a deep drive to center field in the bottom of the first to give Alabama a 1-0 lead.
Taylor Clark, who got the start at third base, also picked up her first hit of the season with a single through the left side in the sixth.
Otherwise, the Alabama offense was mainly kept off balance by North Carolina starting pitcher Hannah George. She didn't allow any walks and gave up four hits. The Tar Heels defense was able to keep the speed off the bases as Elissa Brown and Alexis Mack combined to go 0-for-5.
Game 2
Pitching was again the difference.
Starter Montana Fouts threw a two-hit shutout in the 4-0 win over North Carolina. Fouts finished with 12 strikeouts.
All four runs for the Crimson Tide came with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Kaylee Tow led off the inning with a double and scored on an error off the bat of Kilfoyl, which extended the inning.
The error seemed to rattle North Carolina pitcher Brittany Pickett, who then went on to give up three more runs in the inning.
On her Senior Day, centerfielder Elissa Brown brought in the next run with an RBI-single. Two batters later, Alexis Mack knocked in two more runs with a double to put the Tide up 4-0.
Alabama improved to 13-0 and will close out the Crimson Classic against Troy on Sunday at 1 p.m., weather permitting.
