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Alabama falls to UCLA in opening game of the Women’s College World Series
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UCLA defeated Alabama 4-1 in the opening game of the Women’s College World Series on Thursday.
Initially delayed by rain, the Bruins won thanks to a 3-run home run in the 6th inning by Jordan Woolery. It was Woolery’s 10th blast of the season, and was more than enough to break a 1-1 deadlock.
UCLA secured the final 3 outs in the top of the 7th to finish off the win. Here are highlights from the game:
Jordan Woolery’s clutch three-run blast gives UCLA an opening-round win at the #WCWS!
Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/b5BUZF5MXq
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) May 30, 2024
Alabama’s only run in this game came on an RBI single by Kenleigh Cahalan in the 5th inning.
UCLA will now advance to the winner’s bracket. The Bruins will face the winner of Oklahoma-Duke on Saturday. The Sooners are heavy favorites in that game as they look to capture their 4th consecutive Women’s College World Series title.
As for Alabama, the Crimson Tide will have to work their way through the loser’s bracket in order to advance. Alabama will face the loser of Oklahoma-Duke in an elimination game on Friday.
Alabama ace Kayla Beaver pitched all 6 innings in the Tide’s loss on Thursday. Beaver will likely be called upon again on Friday with the Tide’s season on the line.
Entering this week in Oklahoma City, Alabama was the biggest long-shot in the field at +4000 to take home the WCWS title. Alabama made it to OKC after upsetting Tennessee in the Knoxville Super Regional last week.
With this loss, Alabama is now +10000 to win it all according to the latest odds from FanDuel. UCLA is +850 to take home the crown. Oklahoma remains the clear favorite at -170.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
