For the first time in history, Ole Miss softball won a series against the No. 14 Alabama Crimson Tide. The Rebels finished off their three game series Monday night with a thrilling 5-4 victory.
Head coach Mike Smith sent ace Kaitlin Lee to the circle to face off with Alabama’s right handed pitcher Alexis Osorio.
Paige McKinney runs into home to score for the Rebels earlier this season against Memphis. (Photo By Taylar Teel)
The Rebels fielded first and Lee quickly sent the Crimson Tide packing in the top of the first, stranding runners at first and another in scoring position. In the bottom of the first, Miranda Strother stroked a single up the middle of the field and reached first before her steal attempt got thrown out at second.
The Rebels shut out the Tide in the second inning as well before stepping up to the plate and knocking in three runs of their own. Paige McKinney knocked a roller past the Alabama infield to send Sarah Van Shaik home before catcher Courtney Syrett roped a ball to the left center wall, driving in two runners before the Crimson Tide outfielders brought the Rebels’ big inning to a close.
The top of the third spelled switched the game’s momentum as Alabama senior Marisa Runyon hit a two run shot to right field. Later that inning, a heads-up play at the plate kept the dangerous Alabama offense from scoring any further runs.
The top half of the fifth brought more action when Alabama’s Reagan Dykes hit a line drive to left field, driving in an additional two runs. The score stood at 4-3 in favor of the Tide as the Rebels tagged a runner out at third, ending Alabama’s advance.
Fast forward to the bottom of the seventh inning and the Rebels, still down by a run, were down to their last chance. With two outs and a win in sight, Osorio walked senior catcher Courtney Syrett. Kaylee Horton was called on to run for Syrett.
Elantra Cox, Smith’s go-to clutch batter this season, stepped up to the plate. The slugger rolled a ball down the third base line but the Alabama infield misplayed the ball, overthrowing to first and allowing Horton to score. Cox advanced to third as the score leveled at four.
Kylan Becker then hit a hard, worm-burner to the Crimson Tide’s third baseman. The throw was made to first base but Becker beat the ball there, scoring Cox in the process.
The Rebels won 5-4 in their ninth walk-off victory this season, their fifth in the space of two weeks. Smith and his team now look forward to another home game on Wednesday, this time against Southern Miss. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
