Bulldogs Fall In Heartbreaking Fashion At No. 2 Alabama

Friday, April 15

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

6:00 PM

Mississippi State

26-16, 7-7

#3 Alabama

35-6, 12-5

Mississippi State

Alabama

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Bulldogs Fall In Heartbreaking Fashion At No. 2 Alabama

April 15, 2022 | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Brian Ogden, Associate Director/Communications

TUSCSLOOSA, Ala. – Mississippi State led until the final play, but lost in heartbreaking fashion at No. 2 Alabama on Friday night, falling 7-6 on a walk-off double.

"Absolutely heartbreaking way to lose that game," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "But I'm proud of the fight and resiliency they showed in front of 4,000 fans to continue to fight back, take punches, get up and get loud with their teammates and have each other's backs. That type of effort, energy and focus is what's going to lead us through the rest of the season."

The SEC home run queen, Mia Davidson, opened the scoring on the game's first pitch with a two-run blast to left. State (26-16, 7-7 SEC) added three more runs in the top of the second to take a 5-0 lead.

Alabama (35-6, 12-5 SEC) answered with a solo homer in the bottom of the second, and then the scoring slowed. Paige Cook made an outstanding defensive play to preserve the Bulldogs' four-run lead in the fifth. With the bases-loaded, she dove to snag a line drive up the third base line and dove to tag the bag before the runner could get back for an inning-ending double play.

State would add another run in the top of the sixth with Chloe Malau'ulu racing home on a ball that didn't leave the infield.

The Crimson Tide, however, hit two home runs to score three in the bottom of the sixth before a solo shot cut the lead to one in the bottom of the seventh. With one out and the bases loaded, a double down the left field line scored two to end the game.

Quick Hitters

Dawg Defense – State turned a double play for the second straight game and now has three in the series.

Paige Cook – Turned a solo double play with the bases loaded in a 5-1 game in the bottom of the fifth.

Mia Davidson – Hit career homer No. 86 to take sole possession of seventh in NCAA career history … has tied her career-long reached base streak at 22 consecutive games … was walked three times, including twice intentionally … has been intentionally walked three times in the series.

Riley Hull – Went 2-for-4 with an RBI … stole second … now tied for second on the team with eight multi-hit games this year.

Madisyn Kennedy – Singled twice and scored a run … now has seven multi-hit games this year.

Chloe Malau'ulu – Drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in a run … also singled and scored following a second walk.

Scoring Recap

Top 1
Shea Moreno led off by reaching on an error. Mia Davidson hit a two-run homer on the first pitch she saw and the fourth of the game.
Mississippi State 2, Alabama 0

Top 2
Matalasi Faapito drew a leadoff walk, and Phoebe Florian pinch ran at first base. Madisyn Kennedy then singled to left center and advanced to second when the throw to third was not in time to get Florian. Riley Hull drove in Florian with a single up the middle, putting runners on the corners. Hull then stole second before Brylie St. Clair drew a walk. With the bases-loaded, Moreno singled up the middle to score Kennedy, but Hull was thrown out at the plate for the inning's first out. St. Clair advanced to third on the play. Davidson was then intentionally walked to load the bases, and Chloe Malau'ulu walked to bring home St. Clair.
Mississippi State 5, Alabama 0

Bottom 2
Kaylee Tow hit a leadoff home run.
Mississippi State 5, Alabama 1

Top 6
With one out, Malau'ulu walked. With two outs, Jackie McKenna singled up the middle. Faapito then reached on a fielder's choice to the shortstop, but the fielder's pitch to second was offline, allowing McKenna to slide in safely. Malau'ulu raced home from second on the play.
Mississippi State 6, Alabama 1

Bottom 6
Bailey Dowling hit a leadoff home run. Tow then walked ahead of a two-run homer from Jenna Lord.
Mississippi State 6, Alabama 4

Bottom 7
Ally Shipman homered with one out. Dowling and Tow drew back-to-back walks before Lord singled to the pitcher to load the bases. Megan Bloodworth doubled down the left field line to score two and win the game.
Mississippi State 6, Alabama 7

On Deck

The series finale between Mississippi State and Alabama will be played on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT and air on SEC Network.

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