Oklahoma stuns Alabama in Game 1 with early onslaught and Bahl's pitching masterclass
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In a dominant performance on their home turf in Norman, the Sooners defeated Alabama 6-3 in Game 1 of the NCAA Norman Super Regional . With this win on May 23, Oklahoma is now just one victory away from reaching the Women's College World Series for the 18th time in program history.Alabama got off to a promising start with a solo home run from Bailey Dowling in the top of the first inning. But Oklahoma responded quickly and forcefully. The Sooners scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, including a three-run blast by Tiare Jennings that shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.Alabama never recovered from that early damage. The Crimson Tide managed only three hits in the entire game and struggled to keep up offensively.Oklahoma's ace Jordy Bahl was nearly untouchable. The sophomore pitcher threw a complete game, allowing just three hits and striking out 11 batters. Her control and velocity kept Alabama off balance all evening.'She was in command from the first pitch,' said Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso. 'That's the kind of intensity we need in the postseason.'Despite the early struggles, Alabama attempted a comeback in the sixth inning. They scored two runs to cut the lead to 6-3, but it wasn't enough. Bahl closed the game with a strikeout in the seventh, silencing any hopes of a Crimson Tide comeback.Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. 'We have to reset fast,' he said. 'This team has shown resilience all year. We'll be ready tomorrow.'Oklahoma and Alabama will face off again in Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Saturday. A win for Oklahoma would send them back to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series. Alabama, meanwhile, will need back-to-back wins to advance.
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