no. 2 Alabama outlasts no. 8 Virginia Tech in first game of Easton Bama Bash

By Colby Talley

Staff Writer

February 18, 2022

It all came down to a fielding error.

One out into the bottom of the second, Virginia Tech first baseman Jayme Bailey lost her grip on a routine grounder to first base. The momentary lapse allowed Crimson Tide infielders Bailey Dowling and Ashley Prange to reach first and second easily.

One batter later, designated player Abby Doerr ripped a liner to right field that scored Dowling from second for the Crimson Tide’s only run of the game. It became the only run they needed as No. 2 Alabama (6-0) edged out No. 8 Virginia Tech (5-1), 1-0.

The RBI-single from Doerr was one of only two hits for the Tide in the game as all their other baserunners reached on four walks and the aforementioned error from Bailey.

Keely Rochard limited Alabama’s bats as she struck out 11 batters in six innings of work.

Certainly a good day from Rochard, but her effort was matched in full by the Crimson Tide’s own ace in Montana Fouts. In addition to only giving up three hits and matching Rochard’s strikeout total, Fouts helped herself further in the circle by not allowing any walks.

The three hits the Hokies got were courtesy of Cameron Fagan, Kelsey Bennett and Kelsey Brown. All three hits were singles and neither batter managed to run their way further than first base.

Even with the disappointment of the loss, the performance from the Hokies was still an overall positive one. After all, No. 9 Arizona played the Crimson Tide the previous weekend and was dispatched easily 11 runs in a five-inning game.

Considering how things could have gone, the Hokies will take a one-run loss to one of the top teams in the country. Furthermore, they will have a chance to get some revenge on Saturday as they play the Crimson Tide once again.