Alabama Takes Early Lead in 5-3 Win Against Louisiana
The Alabama Crimson Tide stepped out of SEC play this weekend to play a pair of games against the Louisiana Rajin’ Cajuns. The last time Alabama played a game against the Cajuns was in 2017 where Alabama was shut out 7-0. Alabama was the team on top in game one of the 2021 two-game series winning 5-3.
The Crimson Tide is now winning the overall series against the Cajuns after an offensive first inning and Lexi Kilfoyl’s first career home run secured the game for Alabama.
“It was just a great first inning. I absolutely love everything about that offensively,” said head coach Patrick Murphy. “They did some things we talked about before the game, so I’m as pleased as can be with that win.”
KB Sides hit a one-out double in the left-center gap to become the first runner on base in game one. Bailey Hemphill, who is known for hitting home runs but also drawing walks, was walked for the 33rd time this season. Kaylee Tow followed Sides’ lead with a double of her own which scored Alabama’s first run of the game.
“Both lefties hit the same spot on the field,” said Murphy. “No doubters, nobody is going to catch them so we need more of that. And I think it’s starting to come.”
After being out of the lineup for about two weeks Lexi Kilfoyl stepped in the box.
“I was a little bit nervous but I came in,” said Kilfoyl. “I just trusted my fundamentals and tried to make it as simple as possible.”
Some coaches tell you to go back to your fundamentals if hitting has been a problem or if you were out with an injury. Kilfoyl proved that this isn’t just something the coaches say to make a point. She hit a three-run home run after seeing just three pitches to record her first career home run.
“It felt really good. I’m definitely an outside ball hitter and coach Murphy was telling me that this is right near the jackpot so be ready for that,” said Kilfoyl. “It felt good to get the pitch that I was looking for.”
Montana Fouts and the Crimson Tide kept the Cajuns scoreless until the fifth when Louisiana cut Alabama’s lead to one. Alabama got one more back to answer the Cajuns. The Crimson Tide closed out the game with one of three, three-up-three-down half innings.
Fouts ended the game with yet another pair of double digit strikeouts. She gave up three runs on four hits and allowed two walks. With this win, Fouts’ new record is 15-3 for the season.
Alabama will face the Rajin' Cajuns in game two of the series Sunday at 1:30 CT. Tune into Praise 93.3FM to listen to the game or watch it on SEC Network+.