Saturday, May 24

Running Catch Preserves Win (4:18 p.m.) - Missouri loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh and Julie Silver sent a deep fly ball to right field, but Alabama's Brittany Rogers made a running catch, slamming into the wall to preserve the Tide's 7-1 win.

The win sends Alabama (56-6) to its fifth Women's College World Series, next week in Oklahoma City, Okla., and ends Missouri's season at 47-17.

Missouri Scores One (4:14 p.m.) - Missouri has scored one run on three hits in the bottom of the seventh, forcing an Alabama pitching change. With two outs, the Tide still leads the Tigers 7-1.

Tide Defense Turns Two Again (3:54 p.m.) - With Missouri threatening to score after recording consecutive hits in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Alabama defense turned its second double play of the game, this time on the catch of a pop up and a flip to the shortstop to double up the Missouri runner at second. Going to the seventh inning, Alabama still leads 7-0.

Owens Replaces Morgan (3:42 p.m.) - Chrissy Owens has replaced Charlotte Morgan on the mound, with Morgan taking over at first base for Dani Woods. Woods has since replaced Katie Johnson in right field.

Owens made quick work of Missouri in the bottom of the fifth, preserving Alabama's 7-0 lead over the Tigers.

Morgan went four-plus innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Holcombe Extends School Record (3:25 p.m.) - A strike-out-throw-out double play ended Missouri's hopes of getting anything going off Charlotte Morgan in the fourth, with Tide catcher Ashley Holcombe recording her seventh pickoff throw of the year, which extends her own school record. Going to the top of the fifth, Alabama leads Missouri 7-0.

Alabama Gets Three More (3:18 p.m.) - A pair of doubles helped increase Alabama's lead in the top of the fourth, with the Tide getting RBIs from Kellie Eubanks and Whitney Larsen to extend Alabama's lead to 6-0. A wild pitch then allowed the Tide's seventh run of the day to score to give Alabama a 7-0 lead going to the bottom of the inning.

Rogers Extends Streak (2:59 p.m.) - With an infield single in the top of the third, Alabama leadoff hitter Brittany Rogers extended her hitting streak to 15 games, the longest for the Tide this season. Another infield hit in the top of the fourth made Rogers 14 for her last 18 at the plate.

Alabama Leads 4-0 After Three (2:54 p.m.) - Thanks to some sharp defense and even sharper pitching from Charlotte Morgan, Alabama leads 4-0 after three innings. Morgan has allowed one hit while striking out three so far.

Morgan Slams One To Right (2:46 p.m.) - Alabama just drew first blood in a major way, thanks to a grand slam off the bat of Charlotte Morgan. Jen Bruck walked two batters and gave up an infield hit to Brittany Rogers before Morgan took a 2-2 pitch over the opposite field wall to give the Tide a 4-0 lead.

The home run puts Morgan in second place in the Alabama record books in single-season home runs, with 18, and gives her a four-run cushion to work with as the game goes to the bottom of the third. The grand slam was the 25th in the history of the Alabama softball program and seventh of the year.

Morgan Gets Through Second (2:31 p.m.) - After Missouri's Lindsey Ubrun reached on a base hit in the bottom of the second, Alabama shortstop Kellie Eubanks snagged a liner to short and caught Ubrun leaning off first, doubling her up with a quick throw. Charlotte Morgan was able to strike out Missouri's Jen Bruck to end the inning, to keep the game scoreless after two.

Tigers Go 1-2-3 (2:23 p.m.) - Alabama's Charlotte Morgan made quick work of Missouri in the bottom of the first, getting the Tigers in order. Dani Woods, who was batting when Jordan Praytor was caught stealing in the first inning, will lead things off for the Tide in the top of the second.

Alabama Goes Quietly (2:13 p.m.) - Alabama was able to get a runner on in the top of the first, when senior Jordan Praytor took first after being hit by a Jen Bruck pitch, but after Charlotte Morgan flew out to right, Praytor was caught stealing by Missouri catcher Lisa Simmons. Morgan, today's starting pitcher, fouled two pitches off her foot before flying out but stayed in the game.

Game Underway (2:06 p.m.) - At just after 2 p.m., Alabama and Missouri are underway with Tide leadoff batter and center fielder Brittany Rogers striking out to lead things off against the Tigers' Jen Bruck. Missouri is the home team in today's game.

Stadium Filling Up (1:45 p.m.) - Just about 15 minutes left until the first pitch of today's Super Regional game between Alabama and Missouri. Alabama needs to win one of two today to advance to the Women's College World Series, while the Tigers will need to sweep two today to stay alive. The Alabama Softball Complex is filling up fast and the weather is warm and partly cloudy with a calm wind.

A Beautiful Day at the Ballpark (12:32 p.m.) - We're about 90 minutes out from first pitch and the weather is beautiful here at the Alabama Softball Complex with the temperature in the mid-80s and the sun shining down with a few clouds floating through.

Friday, May 23

Crimson Tide Win Game One (8:53 p.m.) - The Alabama Crimson Tide took game one of the Tuscaloosa Super Regional by the score of 6-1. With the bases loaded, Merideth Nash struck out to end the game. Kelsi Dunne earned the victory to improve to 25-4 on the season. Alabama is now 55-6 on the year. Game two will begin tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Missouri Scores on Walk (8:49 p.m.) - Lisa Simmons who came in to pinch-run for Amanda Renth was brought home on a bases loaded walk to put the Tigers on the board. Pinch hitter Marla Schweisberger drew the two-out walk.

Marla Schweisberger Pinch Hits (8:46 p.m.) - Missouri sent in Marla Schweisberger to pinch hit with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

Missouri Loads Bases in Seventh (8:41 p.m) - After a walk issued to Jen Bruck, Missouri has loaded the bases with one out. Abby Vock enters the box.

Missouri Making Noise in the Top of the 7th (8:37 p.m.) - The Missouri Tigers have runners on first and second with no outs in the top of the seventh. Andee Allen is up to bat.

Top-5 Hitters the Story for Alabama (8:33 p.m.) - The top-5 hitters in the Alabama lineup entered the contest with a .381 batting average. Tonight the top of the order is 9-for-16 (.563) with four runs and three RBI.

Missouri Ends Threat with Dugout Rail Catch (8:30 p.m.) - Missouri third baseman Lindsey Ubrun made a catch over the rail at the Alabama dug out to end the threat. Missouri comes to the plate with one last chance to come back as it is now the top of the seventh.

Praytor Swipes Bag (8:27 p.m.) - Jordan Praytor just stole second with two outs in the bottom of the sixth with Dani Woods at the plate. Praytor is now 26-for-28 on swipes this season.

Back-to-Back Gold Glove Plays by Montalvo (8:19 p.m.) - Kelley Montalvo, who head coach Patrick Murphy has proclaimed as the best defensive third baseman in the country made two great plays in a row. First the 5-0 third baseman tracked a low foul ball in front of the dugout and then barehanded a bunt in front ot the circle to put out the speedy Rhea Taylor. After the top half of the sixth, the score remains Alabama 6, Missouri 0.

Missouri Brings in Southpaw from Bullpen (8:10 p.m.) - Jana Hainey has come in to pitch for the Missouri Tigers in the bottom of the fifth.

Missouri Records First Hit (8:08 p.m.) - Abby Vock of Missouri recorded the first hit of the game for the Tigers. Dunne has fanned five in the game. The hit was short-lived as White flew out to Jordan Praytor in left field. Alabama still leads 6-0 with Kellie Eubanks leading off the bottom half of the fifth.

Alabama Tallied Another 10 Hit Game (8:04 p.m.) - The Alabama Crimson Tide have recorded 10 or more hits 22 times this season. Alabama currently holds a 6-0 lead with one out in the top of the fifth inning.

Rogers Scores on a Sacrafice Fly from Second Base (7:52 p.m.) - Brittany Rogers just scored from second on a fly ball to right field. Rogers' run now hands the Tide a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth.

Rogers Legs Out Another Infield Single (7:50 p.m.) - Alabama junior Brittany Rogers legged out another infield single to now post a 3-for-3 day. Rogers in now 12 for her last 14. She also stole her second base of the game. Jordan Praytor is up with one out.

6-4-3 Double Play Ends Missouri's Fourth (7:47 p.m.) - After a walk with one out, Alabama turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the frame for Missouri. The Tigers have yet to record a hit while the Crimson Tide have tallied seven hits.

Lauren Parker Goes Deep (7:39 p.m.) - Junior Lauren Parker just handed Alabama a 5-0 lead with a two-run shot over the right-centerfield wall. The blast came on a 2-2 count with two outs. Alabama now has seven hits on the evening. The round-tripper brought in Eubanks and it marks the ninth home run on the season for Parker.

Crimson Tide Plate Three in the Third (7:36 p.m.) - Alabama scored its third run of the game on a RBI single by Kellie Eubanks to left field. Dani Woods scored on the Texas-leaguer the dropped in front of Julie Silver.

Alabama Plates Another in the Third (7:33 p.m.) - Alabama crossed its second run of the inning on a Dani Woods RBI. Jordan Praytor was brought home on a fielder's choice to the right side.

Alabama Draws First Blood (7:27 p.m.) - After a stolen base by Brittany Rogers, senior Jordan Prayor recorded her 254th career hit in impressive fashion by driving in Rogers with a single to right-center field.

Rogers now 11-for-13 (7:24 p.m.) - Brittany Rogers continues to shine at the plate for the Crimson Tide. She led off the bottom of the third with a single off the diving shortstop's glove to give the junior her second hit of the game. She is now 11 for her last 13 at the dish.

Another K Gives Dunne 250 on Year (7:23 p.m.) - Alabama freshman Kelsi Dunne struck out her 250th batter on the season. She becomes the third pitcher to do so in an Alabama uniform and it marks the fifth time the feat has been accomplished in program history.

Another K for Dunne (7:18 p.m.) - Kelsi Dunne struck out her third batter of the game. Shana White was the victim on a swinging third strike.

Alabama Goes 1-2-3 to end Second (7:14 p.m.) - Alabama went down in order in the bottom of the second. Shana White will lead things off for Missouri in the third. The score remains 0-0.

Dunne Fans Second to Get out of Inning (7:06 p.m.) - Kelsi Dunne struck out Abby Vock to get out of the inning. Missouri has no hits after two innings. Lauren Parker will lead things off for the Crimson Tide.

Missouri Gets First Baserunner (7:05 p.m.) - Jen Bruck of Missouri is the first batter for the Tigers to reach base. There are two outs in the top of the second. Bruck is a 2008 All-Midwest selection and sports 14 home runs on the season. She reached on a walk with a 3-2 count.

Alabama Strands Bases (6:59 p.m.) - With the bases loaded the Alabama Crimson Tide threatened but came up empty on a strikeout by Kellie Eubanks.

Crimson Tide Load Bases (6:52 p.m.) - The Alabama Crimson Tide are threatening in the bottom of the first. After a Kelley Montalvo walk, Alabama has juiced the bases with Kellie Eubanks at the plate.

Rogers Ties Longest Hit Streak of the Season (6:47 p.m.) - Brittany Roger's infield single marked the 14th straight game the junior has recorded a knock. The hit-streak ties the mark held by Ashley Holcombe this season.

Rogers Reaches on Infield Single (6:49 p.m) - Brittany Rogers led things off for the Tide with a single over the pitcher's head. She is 10 for her last 12 at the plate. Rogers was then thrown out on an attempted steal. The last time she was thrown out was against Auburn on April 12.

Three-up Three-Down (6:40 p.m.) - Kelsi Dunne and the Alabama Crimson Tide put the Missouri Tigers down in order to start the game. Dunne only need 11 pitches to get through the frame. Brittany Rogers, Jordan Praytor and Charlotte Morgan will come up to the plate for Alabama.

First Out an Instant Top Play (6:38 p.m.) - With Rhea Taylor, one of the top hitters in the Big XII in the box, on 1-2 count, Kelley Montalvo robbed a laced line drive down the third base line in front of the bag for the first out. Montalvo has only made two errors this entire season.

Play Ball! (6:35 p.m.) - The players have taken the field and the Alabama Softball Complex is at its capacity for this first game of the best of three Super Regional. Alabama freshman Kelsi Dunne tossed a first pitch strike to start the game.

Regional Appearances (6:30 p.m.) - Tonight's appearance in the Super Regional is a program first for the Missouri Tigers. Mizzou has made 12 trips to the NCAA Regional but the Tuscaloosa Super Regional is a first for Ehren Earleywine and the Tigers. For Patrick Murphy and the Crimson Tide, the appearance marks the 10th consecutive trip to the NCAA Regional and the fourth consecutive to a Super Regional.

Leadoff Batters Bring .400 Batting Average to the Complex (6:23 p.m.) - Missouri leadoff hitter Rhea Taylor enters the Super Regional with a .406 (86-for-212) batting average while Alabama's Brittany Rogers bats at a .452 (89-for-197) clip. The duo has combined for 112 stolen bases. Taylor leads the nation in swipes with 57 while Rogers closely follows with 55 thefts.

44 Wins Take to the Circle (6:14 p.m.) - Between the two starting pitchers tonight, the two hurlers possess 44 wins. Alabama pitcher Kelsi Dunne enters the contest with a 24-4 record and a 1.39 ERA while Missouri hurler Stacy Delaney brings a 20-3 record and a 1.85 ERA. Dunne has fanned an astronomical 247 batters in 186.1 innings and sports a .156 batting average against.

Fair Skies and Cool Weather (5:45 p.m.) - We're 45 minutes out from first pitch between Alabama and Missouri here at the Tuscaloosa NCAA Softball Super Regional and the weather is very nice. It's 81 degrees and partly cloudy.