Alabama shuts out Florida to win SEC Tournament
In the games that matter most, Alabama softball relies on the arm of Montana Fouts to get the job done in the circle. In return, the bats provide runs and help earn the win.
Saturday’s Southeastern Conference tournament championship game at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa was no different, as that same winning combination provided a 4-0 win over No. 1 seed Florida to win the first conference tournament title since 2012, and their SEC-leading sixth overall.
A bunt single and what turned out to be a pivotal error provided Fouts with three runs of support before she even took the circle. Jenna Johnson bunted and reached base to score Alexis Mack to give Alabama the 1-0 lead in the first inning. Johnson, as well as Bailey Hemphill, scored on the next at-bat. KB Sides reached base on a fielders choice that turned into an error. The inning ended with Alabama leading the Gators, 3-0.
That cushion provided Fouts with plenty of run support, and confidence. She controlled Florida from the beginning, striking out 11 Gators while allowing only three hits in the game. She reached an SEC Tournament in the sixth inning, by striking out her 37th batter in the tournament.
Taylor Clark scored the final run of the game in the top of the 7th inning, when she singled home Sarah Cornell to increase the lead to 4-0.
Alabama will now await their NCAA Tournament fate, as the selection will be announced on Sunday at 8 P.M. CT.
