Softball Triumphs 11-4 Against Top-Ranked Texas on Friday

No. 4 Alabama rallied to defeat No. 1 Texas 11-4 on Friday at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide erased a 4-0 deficit early and controlled the game afterward. Alabama improved to 34-3 overall and 8-3 in the SEC.

Game recap

Texas struck for three runs in the first inning and added a solo homer in the second. Alabama countered with a six-run bottom of the second to seize the lead. The Tide sent 11 batters to the plate in that decisive frame.

Brooke Wells delivered a bases-loaded double that drove in three runs. Wells later scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead. Alabama tacked on five more runs over the middle innings.

Pitching and defense

Jocelyn Briski was credited with the win, improving to 14-1. Vic Moten exited and then re-entered, pitching a total of 5.1 strong innings. Moten allowed just three baserunners after returning to the circle.

The defense turned a bases-loaded force at the plate in the third. A key strikeout ended that same threat. Texas was kept off the scoreboard after the second inning.

Offensive highlights

Ambrey Taylor drove in three runs with a solo homer and a two-run single. Four Alabama players finished with multiple hits: Taylor, Marlie Giles, Audrey Vandagriff and Salen Hawkins. Alexis Pupillo drew two bases-loaded walks in the game.

Pupillo extended her on-base streak to 33 games. The Tide’s 64th home run of the season came from Taylor. Alabama has now hit double-digit runs seven times this year.

Notable stats

• Alabama record: 34-3, SEC 8-3.
• Texas record: 32-3, SEC 9-2.
• First win vs. a No. 1 team since Feb. 13, 2020.
• Ninth win this season when the opponent scored first (9-2).
• Brooke Wells leads team with 14 multi-RBI games.

Scoring summary

• T1 – Reese Atwood, two-run single.
• T1 – Texas, bases-loaded walk.
• T2 – Kayden Henry, solo home run.
• B2 – Salen Hawkins, RBI single.
• B2 – Alexis Pupillo, bases-loaded walk.
• B2 – Brooke Wells, three-run double; later scored on wild pitch.
• B3 – Pupillo, second bases-loaded walk of game.
• B4 – Ambrey Taylor, solo home run.
• B5 – Taylor, two-run single.
• B5 – Audrey Vandagriff, RBI single.

Context and milestones

This was Alabama’s first win over a top-ranked opponent at home since May 21, 2017. It was also the program’s first victory over a No. 1 team since 2020. The Tide are four homers shy of tying the 2014 single-season record.

The team demonstrated resilience in overcoming an early deficit. Filmogaz.com notes the performance as a statement win ahead of the series finale.

What’s next

The series concludes Saturday, April 4 at 12:30 p.m. CT. The finale will air on the SEC Network. Alabama looks to carry momentum into the rubber match.