Tide softball powers past Cal to reach final

OKALHOMA CITY (WALA) - With a Sunday win, number two seeded Alabama softball will make an appearance in the Women's College World Series Championship Series.

Tide players scored in every inning except the first to down top-seeded California, 5-2, at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium June 2.

Alabama hit three home runs off of Cal pitcher Jolene Henderson, who fell to 38-4 on the year. No team had hit more than two home runs in a single game against her this season.

Tide sophomore pitcher Traina pitched a two-hitter, striking out six to earn her third win of the series and her 40th of the season for a school record.

The Crimson Tide had nine hits on the afternoon, including two apiece by junior Kayla Braud, sophomore Kaila Hunt, and Traina. Hunt and senior Jazlyn Lunceford both hit home runs in addition to Traina's.

The Tide added to its early lead in the third inning, when Braud led off with a single and reached second on a throwing error. Senior Jennifer Fenton followed up with a single that moved Braud to third, and Hunt hit an infield single that scored Braud, putting Alabama up, 2-0.

After Cal tied things up with a home run, Alabama answered back in the bottom of the fourth with another run. Senior Jazlyn Lunceford led off with a walk and advanced to third on a single by Traina. Senior Kendall Dawson followed up with a single up the middle, scoring Lunceford and putting the Crimson Tide ahead, 3-2.

Alabama added home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, with Hunt’s blast coming in the fifth while Lunceford led off the sixth inning with a solo shot to right field. The home run was the 21st on the season for Hunt and the eighth for Lunceford.

Alabama will play Oklahoma in the championship series, which will begin on Monday, June 4. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.