By virtue of Alabama’s 7-4 win over Arizona State on Saturday, they were spared a second game on the day. The Sun Devils on the other hand had to shrug off their loss to the Tide and again defeat Lipscomb in order to make it to Sunday. The good thing for Bama was not only the rest but another chance to scout their opponent. If Alabama defeats Arizona State today at 1pm CT (SEC Network), they automatically move on to next weekend’s Super Regional against the winner of the Austin Regional. Should they fall, the two would play an additional game on Sunday - winner-take-all.

PREVIEW

ASU is led by Kindra Hackbarth who is hitting .417 with 17 dingers and 57 RBI. Leadoff hitter Morgan Howe has good stats too .391, 11 HR, 58 RBI, however, she has no RBI this weekend. The Sun Devils have four home runs in the three games by four different players. For a team that often swings for the fences, they have a low strikeout ratio. Their walks, are on the low side as well. So, basically, they put the ball in play and challenge their opponents to get them out. Their pitching is not good with every hurler owning an ERA over 4.12. They have used only two pitchers thus far in the Regional. Both Samantha Mejia (vs Lipscomb) and Cielo Meza (vs Alabama) pitched 6 innings yesterday. We may see both in the circle on Sunday.

BAMA STARTER

On Saturday, Montana Fouts threw an astonishing 138 pitches over 7.0 innings for the win. Sunday’s Game 6 will probably be left up to Sarah Cornell with Krystal Goodman in relief if needed.

TUSCALOOSA REGIONAL

Game 6: Alabama vs. Arizona State winner, 1pm CT SECN (Note that Bama is the “Away” team meaning ASU will get the last at bat)
Game 7 (if necessary): 3:30pm CT

OTHERS

A select few other games to keep an eye on Saturday:

Kentucky 8, Va Tech 1 - 6th
Florida 4, Boise 0 - 7th
FSU 5, South Carolina 6 - 6th - SEC needs two wins to advance.
UNC 1, Tennessee 0 - F - They will play a second game 1:30pm CT.
UGA 4, Drake 2 was suspended last night in the 5th. They will complete that game at 2pm CT. Winner will have to beat Minnesota twice on Sunday.
Ole Miss-ULL - 2pm CT - OM needs two wins
LSU-Texas Tech 3pm CT - TT will have to win twice.
Texas-Houston 3:30pm CT - The Longhorns need two wins .
Arizona-Auburn 6pm CT - Aub needs two wins.
Wash-Miss. State 8pm CT - MSU needs two.

ROLL TIDE!