Game Recap: Softball | April 28, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The third-ranked Lady Vols set a program record Saturday night as they captured their eighth straight conference series victory with a 2-0 shutout of No. 17 Alabama at Rhoads Stadium.
Tennessee (37-8, 16-4 SEC) claimed its third-ever series win down in Tuscaloosa with the game two victory. The Lady Vols have also won 15 of their last 16 SEC series – the best stretch in program history.
The Lady Vols scored first with a run in the second off the bat of Destiny Rodriguez. The sophomore infielder – who went 3-for-3 at the plate – laced an RBI single through the heart of the diamond to score Taylor Pannell from second.
Rylie West provided the insurance with her 10th home run of the season – a solo blast in the fourth.
That was all the offense starting pitcher Karlyn Pickens needed as she carried a no-hitter through 6.1 innings. The right-hander recorded seven strikeouts and allowed just one free pass en route to her 17th win and a complete game shutout.
Pickens has tossed 13 complete games this season, with 10 shutouts.
With back-to-back shutouts, the Lady Vols have blanked the Tide in consecutive games for just the second time in program history. UT has also won five straight over Alabama – the longest win streak for the Big Orange since the series began in 1997.
Alabama (31-14, 8-12 SEC) started Jocelyn Briski in the circle. The right-hander tossed a complete game for the Crimson Tide, scattering seven hits with two strikeouts. She allowed two runs – one earned – in her third loss of the season.
Kristen White had the Tide’s only hit – a one-out bunt single in the sixth.
STAT(s) OF THE DAY
Tennessee improved to 32-0 when leading after four innings and is now 34-3 when scoring first.
Over the last five SEC games, the Lady Vols have four shutouts and have allowed just 13 hits over the past 35 innings in league play with 28 strikeouts and seven walks.
UP NEXT
Tennessee will be back at it against Alabama on Sunday as the two rivals wrap up the three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
