Alabama Bats Come Alive in Run-Rule Shutout over Longwood
Alabama softball got off to a slow start offensively in the season opener, but the bats were ready for the early first pitch Friday morning.
The Crimson Tide run-ruled Longwood 13-0 in five innings at the Buzz Classic in Atlanta behind an eight-run fifth inning and five RBIs from Kali Heivilin. In the circle, Jaala Torrence, Alea Johnson and Lauren Esman combined for the shutout.
Alabama held a 5-0 lead heading into the fifth inning, needing three runs for the run-rule. It would get much more than that with 12 batters coming to the plate and eight runs scored. Bailey Dowling started the rally with a leadoff single, and Kat Grill and Esman capped it, both with two-RBI pinch hits.
Kenleigh Cahalan got the scoring started on the day with a solo home run in the first inning, the first Crimson Tide home run of the season. The slugging power was contagious as Heivilin knocked a three-run home run out to left center in the fourth inning to put Alabama up 4-0.
In her debut in the starting lineup, freshman Lauren Johnson went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and an RBI. Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy was able to clear the benches and allow almost the entire lineup either a plate appearance or pinch hitting opportunity.
Alabama improves to 2-0 on the season and will face Georgia Tech on Friday afternoon at approximately 3 p.m.
This story will be updated after Game 2.
