TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama softball team rebounded from a 5-0 loss in game one Saturday to beat the University of Kentucky 14-0 in four and a half innings at Rhoads Stadium.
The split moved Alabama to 41-11 and 13-10 in the Southeastern Conference, while Kentucky moved to 37-17 and 12-11.
In game one, Kelsey Nunley (23-7) went the distance for the Wildcats, striking out five while allowing just four hits. The shutout was the first against Alabama since 2011, and the first at home since 2010.
In game two, Junior Jackie Traina (18-6) earned the win, allowing just two hits while striking out four in three innings. Senior Lauren Sewell allowed two hits in two scoreless innings of relief.
Alabama erupted for four runs before recording an out en route to a 10-run first inning.
Junior Molly Fichtner and freshman Leona Lafaele hit back-to-back home runs before the Crimson Tide capitalized on four bases-loaded walks.
The Tide added four more in the second to increase the lead to 14-0. Kayla Braud hit a bases-loaded single and Fichtner added another run with a sacrifice fly to left. Lafaele brought home two, one on an error to end the scoring in the frame.
Braud was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Fichtner scored twice and had four RBIs, while senior Keima Davis and junior Ryan Iamurri had two hits apiece.
The teams will wrap up the series at 1:30 p.m. today.
n In related news, Braud, a senior outfielder, and junior infielder Kaila Hunt were named Friday to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 4 team
Braud earns all-district honor for the third-straight season, while Hunt earns academic all-district honors for the second-straight season.
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