Johnson Sisters Star in No. 14 Alabama Softball's 9-4 victory over Kentucky

After falling to the Wildcats 6-3 on Thursday, the Crimson Tide even the series thanks to clutch hits from Lauren Johnson and Jenna Johnson.

Alabama Athletics

The power of sisterhood.

On Friday, No. 14 Alabama Softball bounced back in the series against Kentucky with a strong 9-4 road victory, recovering from a 6-3 loss on Thursday, bringing their overall record to 26-7 (3-5 SEC).

The game started with a 1-2-3 inning for Kentucky in the bottom of the first, as Ally Hutchins, Rylea Smith, and Erin Coffel were all retired, with Kayla Beaver securing two strikeouts and a groundout. In response, Alabama's top of the first saw Abby Duchscherer grounding into a double play, but Kenleigh Cahalan's single provided the Crimson Tide with their first hit. Jenna Johnson's flyout to center ended the inning with no runs scored.

In a pivotal frame for Alabama, Duchscherer's flyout to left ended the top of the third, but not before Alabama managed to score two runs, as a towering solo home run to centerfield and a sac fly from J. Johnson in foul territory gave the Crimson Tide an early 2-0 advantage over the Wildcats.

In the top of the fourth inning, catcher Marlie Giles delivered once again — blasting her second solo home run of the series to put Alabama in front 3-0. An inning later, Cahalan delivered a double to left that scored J. Johnson, extending the Crimson Tide lead to 4-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Beaver ran into some trouble, as a hit-by-pitch and walk led to a powerful three-run blast to straightaway center from Coffel, bringing Kentucky within striking distance at 4-3.

With runners in scoring position, Lauren Johnson's single to right-center in the top of the sixth brought in Kinley Pate and Heivilin, further widening the gap to 6-3. With L. Johnson standing on first, sister J. Johnson poked a home run down the left field line, breaking the game open for Alabama at 9-3.

After struggling in the fifth inning, Crimson Tide head coach Patrick Murphy elected to stick with Beaver in the circle for the bottom of the sixth. After issuing a walk and allowing a single, the Wildcats pushed their final run of the night across the board after a sacrifice fly from Kasrissa Hamilton scored Peyton Plotts, making the score 9-4 in favor of Alabama.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Alea Johnson took to the circle for the Crimson Tide, pitching a flawless frame to secure the victory in relief of Beaver and level the series at one win apiece.

Following their impressive victory, Alabama will gear up for the decisive game three against Kentucky on Saturday, scheduled to take place at 1:00 p.m. CT.