TUCSON, Ariz. — Alabama softball capped its weekend at the Hillenbrand Invitational with a 13-4 run-rule win over UIC to remain undefeated through two weeks of play.
Alabama (10-0) scored in three of the four innings it came to bat against UIC (2-8). Junior Bailey Hemphill led the offense with a 3-for-3 day including a pair of home runs and five RBIs. Sophomore KB Sides went 2-for-3 with a trio of RBIs, two of which came on her first career home run. Junior Courtney Gettins (1-0) threw 4.0 shutout innings to earn the win with sophomore Madison Preston throwing the final inning in the run-rule victory.
With two in scoring position, Hemphill’s single drove both in. Junior Claire Jenkins added another with two out, driving in freshman pinch-runner Kloyee Anderson with an RBI double. Sophomore Maddie Morgan followed with an RBI single.
Junior Elissa Brown had a leadoff triple. After sophomore Kaylee Tow drew a walk, Sides lifted a fly ball to center, allowing Brown to tag up and score on the sacrifice fly. Hemphill crushed a home run. With bases loaded and two out, freshman Skylar Wallace brought everyone home with a double.
Freshman Kayla Davis got a single, and Hemphill made it back-to-back long balls with a solo shot. UIC’s four late points weren’t enough.
Next weekend, Alabama makes its 2019 home debut hosting the Easton Bama Bash. Action at Rhoads Stadium begins March 22 as the Tide welcomes Minnesota, Missouri State and ULM.
