Kent State University
2-3
Alabama
16-0
Softball Unable to Hold Early Leads in Doubleheader at No. 3/2 Alabama
3/5/2021 11:58:00 PM | Softball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kent State led in both games before being swept in a doubleheader by No. 3/2 Alabama in six innings, 9-1 and 11-3, on the opening day of the Easton T-Town Showdown on Friday evening.
The Golden Flashes (2-4) accomplished something that no Crimson Tide opponent had managed to do in their first 15 games by making the hosts play from behind in both contests.
The trio of senior Kennadie Goth, junior Brooklyn Whitt and senior Brenna Brownfield provided the bulk of the offense for Kent State, combining for eight hits, four RBIs and three runs scored. Goth scored in both games and Whitt drove in a run in both games.
Game 1: #3/2 Alabama 9, Kent State 1 (6 innings)
The Golden Flashes were the first to strike as Brooklyn Whitt singled up the middle to score Kennadie Goth, who reached on a two-out single and advanced to second on an errant throw.
Jessica LeBeau did not surrender a hit in the first two innings, but the Crimson Tide collected five hits to put three runs on the scoreboard in home half of the third. An error allowed Alabama to add three unearned runs in the fourth inning to extend the lead, 6-1.
The Flashes' pitchers struggled to find the strike zone in the sixth, as Alabama scored two runs on four walks and a hit by pitch to end the game.
LeBeau (1-2) had five strikeouts and allowed three earned runs in four innings. Grace Saupe tossed one inning in relief and Madison Hershberger made her collegiate debut, recording an out in the sixth inning.
Game 2: #3/2 Alabama 11, Kent State 3 (6 innings)
Kent State loaded the bases in the top of the first inning but was unable to plate a run. An error and two wild pitches aided Alabama in taking a 2-0 lead after one.
The Golden Flashes had an answer in their next at-bat. Sabrina Kerschner lined a shot over the third baseman to start the frame. After advancing on a sac bunt and wild pitch, Kerschner scored on a low liner to the left side of the infield by Kennadie Goth. Brooklyn Whitt followed with a triple to left-center. Kent State took a 3-2 lead on a double off the left field wall by Brenna Brownfield.
Alabama tied it in the bottom of the seconds before scoring four runs in the third inning. The Crimson added one run in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth to end the game.
Kent State totaled eight hits in the game, the most allowed by the Alabama pitching staff this season. Goth, Whitt and Brownfield led the way with two hits each. Julia Mazanec collected her first college hit with a shot past the second baseman in the sixth inning.
Gabbie Sherman (0-2) allowed eight runs and had two strikeouts in 3.1 innings. Jessica LeBeau tossed two innings in relief, recording two strikeouts and allowing two earned runs.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State continues play at the Easton T-Town Showdown on Saturday with a doubleheader against South Alabama scheduled for 5 p.m.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Kilfoyl (7-0)
L: LeBeau, Jessica (1-2)
Batting:
RBI: Whitt, Brooklyn 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Goth, Kennadie 1
SB: Whitt, Brooklyn 1
Batting:
RBI: Dowling 1 ; Hemphill 2 ; Jenkins 1 ; Doerr 1 ; Brown 2
SH: Brown 1
SF: Brown 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Mack 2 ; Dowling 1 ; Hemphill 1 ; Grill 1 ; Cornell 1 ; Jenkins 1 ; Doerr 1 ; Brown 1
SB: Mack 2 ; Brown 1
HBP: Jenkins 1 ; Doerr 1
