TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Taking part in the Easton Bama Bash at the University of Alabama, the SUU softball team recorded a 1-4 record over the past weekend as the offense struggled to score runs.
Here are recaps of all the games, beginning with the opener on Friday.
Friday vs. Drake
After 3 1/2 scoreless innings to begin the day, the T-birds would get on the scoreboard first against Drake from the Missouri Valley Conference.
The bottom of the fourth began with two SUU hits, first with a double off the bat of Arianna Ramirez and then a single from Ariyana Miranda. A few at-bats later, Amyah Boostedt laid a perfect bunt down the third base line to give SUU the 1-0 lead.
The Bulldogs would answer late, scoring the tying run in the top of the seventh to make it a 1-1 game.
Southern Utah had an answer, however, as they started the bottom of the frame by loading the bases with no outs. After recording the first out, a fielder’s choice and throwing error led to Taralyn Ollison crossing the plate for the 2-1 walkoff victory.
Friday at No. 21 Alabama
SUU would face host and SEC member Alabama in the second game on Friday, as they fell 9-1 to the Crimson Tide.
Alabama scored the first run in the bottom of the second, but the T-birds responded with a Ramirez solo home run in the fourth to tie the score.
It was all Crimson Tide from there, however, as the home team answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning to make it 4-1. Alabama would add five runs in the sixth to secure the run-rule victory.
Saturday vs. No. 17 Virginia Tech (Game 1)
The T-birds faced ACC foe Virginia Tech in a Saturday doubleheader, taking on a second straight ranked opponent in as many days.
SUU was only able to muster two hits in the first matchup, being shut out in the process.
The Hokies scored three runs in the first inning before adding a fourth in the fifth frame en route to a 4-0 victory.
Saturday vs. No. 17 Virginia Tech (Game 2)
Virginia Tech completed the twin bill sweep in game two, recording a 6-3 comeback win.
Southern Utah began the game strong, taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. A double to left field by Miranda scored two, and Boostedt followed with an RBI double of her own to make it a three-run game.
Virginia Tech answered back in the bottom of the fourth, scoring three times to tie the game. The Hokies added three more runs in the bottom of the fifth, taking a 6-3 lead that would hold until the final out.
Sunday vs. Drake
The T-birds once again started the game well, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to an RBI groundout from Miranda in the top of the first.
SUU was shut down the rest of the way though, as Drake answered with two runs in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead.
The Bulldogs added another run in the third and held the Thunderbirds to just two hits for the remainder of the game to secure a 3-1 win.
Up next
Southern Utah (3-11) will head to Fresno, California for its final multi-team event before the start of conference play.
The T-birds will participate in the Fresno State Invitational from Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 2, playing five games over three days.
SUU will first face Cal (11 a.m. MT) and Cal State Bakersfield (1:30 p.m.) on Friday, before a rematch with the Roadrunners (1 p.m.) and a matchup against host Fresno State (6:30 pm.) on Saturday. The team will wrap up the tournament on Sunday with a rematch from Friday, as they face Cal at 10:30 a.m.
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics.
