Alabama defeated North Dakota State 13-0 in a five-inning shutout on March 28 at Rhoads Stadium, closing out its out-of-conference weekend with a decisive win.
The game marks Alabama’s fourteenth shutout and eleventh run-rule victory of the season, highlighting the team’s strong performance both offensively and defensively. Eight different Alabama players recorded hits, with Salen Hawkins going two-for-three and driving in three runs. Freshman Ambrey Taylor hit two home runs for her first multi-homer game.
Alabama’s season home run total now stands at 63, tying for ninth-most in program history alongside the 2013 team. The team is five home runs away from matching the next-highest mark set by the 2014 squad. Freshman Holly Beth Brooks achieved her first collegiate hit with a two-run single, while Kaitlyn Pallozzi earned her sixth win of the season after pitching three innings and allowing just one hit.
Head Coach Patrick Murphy said, “I want to thank North Dakota State for making the trip down here. We appreciate them coming to Tuscaloosa. I think our pitching and defense were outstanding, and we had some really good at-bats that I was pleased with. It was a fun two game series to watch.” Murphy also acknowledged senior Abby Duchscherer: “Today, we celebrated another amazing senior, Abby Duchscherer. She’s not only incredibly loyal but has also had such a positive impact on this program.”
Other highlights include Alexis Pupillo extending her reached-base streak to 31 games—matching her previous career best—and Alabama tying its season high with nine walks drawn during Saturday’s contest.
Looking ahead, Alabama will face top-ranked Texas in Tuscaloosa from April 2 through April 4.
