With two outs in the first inning of Friday’s Women’s College World Series elimination game, Marlie Giles stepped to the plate and delivered for Alabama. She hit an RBI double to score Kenleigh Cahalan and put the Crimson Tide up 1-0 against Duke – and Patrick Murphy knows that type of timely hitting is crucial if Alabama wants to stay alive.
Murphy said the ability to score with two outs is paramount with the season on the line, especially early. Although Duke went on to tie the game in the bottom of the second and Alabama had some hits taken away by strong defense, he said situational hitting is one of the keys in Oklahoma City.
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“No. 1, I love scoring in the first inning. That was huge,” Murphy told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “Marlie’s double with a runner on second and two outs – two-out hitting is key in the World Series. We need some more of that tonight.”
The Duke defense did its part behind Cassidy Curd, and the biggest play came in the third inning. Kali Heivilin hit a shot out to left field, but Amiah Burgess reached up over the wall to bring it back into the park, taking away a home run.
Murphy noted the Blue Devils’ strong showing on defense and offered a tongue-in-cheek solution. That said, the fact Alabama is making contact means the Tide have a chance if they can find a window.
“No. 1, hit it farther. No. 2, hit it harder. Simple as that,” Murphy joked.
“They’ve made some great plays. I think it was … left field, took a home run away. We’re putting the bat on the ball. We’ve just got to find the spot.”
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