Tennessee Tops Tide in Women’s College World Series
The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 10-5 in the first game of the 2023 Women's College World Series.
Right-handed pitcher Jaala Torrence started in the circle for the Crimson Tide. She pitched 2.1 innings, recording six hits, six runs (two earned), three strikeouts, one walk, and one hit by pitch.
The Volunteers got on the board first in the second inning, scoring four runs on three hits and an error. Right fielder Katie Taylor and third baseman Zaida Puni both hit two-RBI doubles to give Tennessee the early 4-0 lead.
Alabama got on the board in the top of the third inning, scoring two runs off the bats of catcher Ally Shipman and shortstop Kenleigh Cahalan. Both hit back-to-back RBI doubles to cut the Tide's deficit in half 4-2.
Alex Salter came in for relief in the third inning. She pitched one inning, recording three hits, four runs (four earned), one walk, and one strikeout.
The Volunteers responded in the bottom of the third inning. Designated hitter Jamison Brockenbrough hit a two-run home run to put Tennessee back up by four, 6-2.
Left-handed pitcher Lauren Esman came in for relief in the fourth inning. She pitched the remainder of the game, recording two hits, no runs, no walks, and no strikeouts.
Tennessee extended its lead in the fourth hitting, scoring four runs due to an RBI double from first baseman McKenna Gibson and a three-run home run by left fielder Rylie West to put the Volunteers up 10-2.
The Tide prevented a run rule in the fifth inning, scoring two runs off the bat of Cahalan, who hit a two-RBI double to cut Alabama's deficit 10-4.
Pinch hitter Marlie Giles capped off scoring for both teams, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning, making the final score 10-5.
Tennessee out-hit Alabama 11 to seven and the Tide recorded three errors, while the Volunteers recorded none.
Alabama will play the loser of Oklahoma vs. Stanford in an elimination game on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT. Coverage will be on Me-TV 97.5 FM and the Me-TV 97.5 app which is free to download in the App Store.