TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama softball was knotted up in a close battle against in-state foe UAB Wednesday night at Rhoads Stadium, with a go-ahead sixth inning RBI single from
Jenna Johnson ultimately making the difference in the 4-3 win.
An Alabama (24-5) fielding error in the top of the second plated a run for UAB (12-16) and the Blazers added another unearned run later in the inning on a two-out RBI single to take the early two-run lead. A Johnson solo homer in the bottom of the third plated the first Crimson Tide run and
Kenleigh Cahalan put the home team in front later in the frame with a two-run single.
UAB tied it up at 3-3 with a fifth-inning RBI single and, with two on and one out in the bottom of the sixth, Johnson's second hit of the day drove in
Kristen White from second to give the Tide the 4-3 lead.
Jocelyn Briski (4-0) retired the side in order in the seventh to close out the game and earn the win in relief.
Johnson was 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot with a solo home run and RBI single, her fourth multi-hit game of the season. The home run was her third of the year, two of which have come in the last three games.
Kali Heivilin was 2-for-3 batting behind her, her second two-hit performance in the last three games. Cahalan's two-run single extended her hitting streak to five games and she has at least one RBI in each of those five games. Briski earned the win in relief, not allowing a single baserunner while striking out five over 3.0 innings pitched.
From Head Coach Patrick Murphy
"
Jenna Johnson hit the ball really well off a tough pitcher. One of her career goals was to hit an opposite field home run, which she was able to accomplish tonight. She was good all night.
Jocelyn Briski was rolling tonight, so we stuck with her. Her control was really good and she hit all her spots. UAB is better at this point in the season than when we saw them earlier in the season. They're a good team."
