Easley Huckabee Record a Pair of Hits Versus Tide

FAYETTEVILLE – Senior infielder Shana Easley and sophomore infielder Dayna Huckabee paced the University of Arkansas softball team with two hits apiece in a doubleheader with No. 4 Alabama, Friday, May 5. The Lady Razorbacks (26-33, 10-18) fell to the Crimson Tide (47-8, 24-4), 7-2 and 7-0.

Arkansas jumped on the scoreboard, 2-0, in the first inning with two runs on two hits. Senior outfielder Mindy O’Malley drew a leadoff walk and freshman infielder Kayla Johnson singled to place runners on the corners for Easley.

O’Malley then scored on Easley’s base hit to give Arkansas the lead. Johnson also crossed the plate for the Lady’Backs.

Alabama evened the score, 2-2, in the third inning with two hits. The Tide offense continued with four runs in the fourth to take a 6-2 advantage. Junior outfielder Mandy Burford highlighted the inning with a three-run home run.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was encouraged early in the game but then Alabama showed why it’s one of the best teams in the country. The Tide clinched its first Southeastern Conference regular season title after the nightcap.

“We got a couple of runs early and at that point, I thought, we’d hang in there,” he said. “Luckily, Kayce Odle kept us from getting run-ruled. Kayce Odle did a nice job. She pitched her guts out.”

Sophomore Katy Henry (15-15) started the game and junior Kayce Odle replaced her in the fifth inning. Odle gave up only one hit in two and two-thirds innings of work. Offensively, Easley led the team with a 2-for-3 performance.

In the second game, the Alabama offense was strong. The Tide scored six runs in the first inning and added a run in the second inning to lead, 7-0.

Senior Blaire Perry (6-9) began the game but Odle replaced her in the first inning. Odle was effective in relief only allowing four hits while recording four strikeouts in five and one-third innings. At the plate, Dayna Huckabee was 1-for-2 and freshman outfielder Jocelyne Moncrief was 1-for-1.

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