The Tuscaloosa News, April 25, 2021 (posted on The Advertiser Website)

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No. 5 Alabama softball improved to 36-7 after sweeping No. 18 Louisiana this weekend. The Crimson Tide out-scored the Rajun Cajuns 10-4 in two games and improved to 16-7 against ranked opponents.

On Saturday, the Crimson Tide used a four-run first inning to win 5-3. On Sunday, the bottom of the line provided the run support to win 5-1. 

Here are three things we learned:

Rest can do you well

Lexi Kilfoyl was not seen in the Florida series or in the midweek game against Southen Miss. In her first game back on Saturday, she hit a three-run moonshot to center field, the first home run of her career. 

"Lexi has been hitting like that in practice her whole career, and so, it was awesome to see her take what she’s doing in practice and put it into a game," Murphy said. "She needed that. Her first career home run at Alabama could not have come at a better time.”

Goodman grit and grind 

In the seven-game homestand for the Crimson Tide, Krystal Goodman (6-1, 1.91 ERA) pitched three times picking up two wins, bringing her total to six. The senior has been a steady arm in the bullpen for Murphy all season.

In Goodman’s three appearances, she pitched 14 1/3 innings while giving up 12 hits and five runs, all of which were earned. The senior also struck out nine while walking seven. 

Defense coming together 

The Crimson Tide did not commit an error this weekend. On Saturday, miscommunication and poor decision-making allowed Louisiana runners to reach base, but Montana Fouts’ 11 strikeouts kept them from scoring. 

On Sunday, the Alabama defense was alert and in the right spots at the right time. Bailey Hemphill got the lead runner out at third base twice for the final out of the inning.

What’s next 

Alabama will travel to Georgia for a three-game weekend series with the Bulldogs beginning Friday at 5 p.m. CT. The Crimson Tide will play Saturday at noon CT on ESPN2 and again Sunday at 1 p.m.

Friday and Sunday’s games will be available to stream on the SEC?

Athletic Network footnote:

UP NEXT
No. 13 Louisiana starts the final stretch of Sun Belt Conference play and plays its final road games of the regular season Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2 in Conway, S.C., against Coastal Carolina.

The Ragin’ Cajuns and Chanticleers are scheduled to play a 12 p.m. (CDT) doubleheader on Saturday and an 11 a.m. (CDT) single game on Sunday at St. John Stadium on the CCU campus.