HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Facing a one-run deficit in the seventh inning, ninth-ranked Alabama put two in scoring position with one out but could not complete the rally as 11th-ranked Baylor handed the Crimson Tide its first loss of the 2018 season, 2-1, Sunday at the Black and Gold Invitational.
Alabama (6-1) battled to the very end in a close contest against Baylor (7-0), taking an early two-run deficit in the first inning before cutting it in half on a solo home run from freshman Kaylee Tow in the third inning. Back-to-back singles from junior Caroline Hardy and sophomore Claire Jenkins along with some heads-up baserunning put two in scoring position for the Tide in the seventh inning, but the Bears tiptoed out of danger with a strikeout and popup to end the game.
Alabama tallied four hits on the day against Baylor starter Gia Rodini (3-0), who earned the complete-game victory while Tide starter Alexis Osorio (2-1) took the tough complete-game loss in the circle, striking out five.
Next weekend, Alabama makes its home debut, hosting the Easton Bama Bash Feb. 23-25 at Rhoads Stadium. The Tide will play five games over three days, welcoming Georgia State, Northern Iowa and No. 8/6 Florida State.
