The Arizona Wildcats worked extensively on their situational hitting in the offseason for moments just like this.
Trailing No. 7 Alabama by two in the fourth, the Wildcats had the tying runs in scoring position with nobody out, a prime opportunity for a comeback. A well-placed hit ties it. Even a measly flyout brings home a run and puts a dent in the Crimson Tide’s lead.
Instead, familiar problems arose for the Wildcats.
Alabama ace Montana Fouts zipped her best fastball past Malia Martinez, Rylee Pierce, and Hillary Edior for three straight strikeouts to strand both runners, and the Crimson Tide would hold to beat No.