Alabama’s Marlie Giles saves Tide from WCWS elimination with clutch HR
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Alabama’s Marlie Giles is the latest hero for the Crimson Tide, rescuing her team from elimination at the Women’s College World Series Friday night.
Entering the game, Alabama was looking at the possibility of going 2-and-done in the double-elimination format at the WCWS. The Crimson Tide lost 4-1 to UCLA in their opener before facing Duke. The Blue Devils lost their opener to Oklahoma by the score of 9-1.
Friday’s game quickly turned into a pitcher’s duel, but it was Giles who delivered offensively for Alabama. She started the scoring in the top of the 1st inning, driving in Kenleigh Cahalan with an RBI double to right center.
Duke would tie the game at 1 run apiece in the 2nd inning, and the score stood there until the 6th inning. That’s when Giles made another impact, stepping to the plate with the bases empty and 1 out.
Giles came through in the clutch yet again, drilling a solo home run to right of dead center for a 2-1 Alabama lead:
BIG TIME BASH @AlabamaSB x @NCAASoftball /ESPN pic.twitter.com/9JYTfiSYD8
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) June 1, 2024
Giles finished the game 2-for-3 and drove in both runs scored by Alabama in the 2-1 win. Kristen White (1 hit and a walk) and Kali Heivilin (a triple) were the only other Tide batters with a hit or a walk.
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Fortunately, that was enough with Jocelyn Briski and Kayla Beaver shutting down the Blue Devils’ bats. Briski gave up 1 earned run in 3.1 innings pitched while Beaver did not allow a hit over 3.2 innings of relief.
What’s next for Alabama
With the win, Alabama will stay alive at the WCWS until Sunday at least. The Crimson Tide will play a 3 pm ET game on Sunday with coverage on ABC. Alabama will face the loser of a Texas vs. Florida matchup on Saturday in another do-or-die game.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
