The little things just barely eluded the Texas softball team in a 3-0 loss to No. 8 Alabama Thursday in the opening game of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Super Regional.
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The ever-resilient No. 9 Longhorns (45-16) are back at it against the host club Crimson Tide (56-7) Friday at 8 p.m. looking to even things up with a chance to continue the season another day. As they have all season, Texas stayed positive and loose despite the outcome and will be ready to pounce come Game 2.
In the first game, a rare hit-by-pitch led to Alabama’s breakthrough inning after a failed pickoff attempt was followed by a two-run home run by Crimson Tide third baseman Maddie Morgan for a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third.
Texas stranded a runner in scoring position just a half inning earlier as it looked to have a chance to get on the board first. Then in the fourth, the Horns had two runners on but couldn’t capitalize against the stout pitching of freshman Montana Fouts.
Miranda Elish had a strong start again in four innings of work and Brooke Bolinger came on with solid relief as well, and usually allowing just three runs means a Texas win, but that breakthrough moment was just out of grasp on Thursday. The Longhorns are 40-3 when holding their opponent to three runs or fewer this season.
Reagan Hathaway had a hit as she now has a five-game hitting streak, while Mary Iakopo and Janae Jefferson were both 1-for-3 as well.
Alabama only had four hits and Texas had three in the pitchers’ duel, and things will surely be just as tight on Friday night. Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. airing on ESPN.
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