OKLAHOMA CITY, -- Heading into the middle of the eighth inning DePaul and Alabama were tied at one apiece when severe weather rolled into Oklahoma City at 5:27 p.m. The game stayed suspended until the NCAA called the game at 7:46 p.m., the game will resume Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.
Alabama and DePaul were locked in a pitching dual through the fourth innings of play, but the Crimson Tide posted a run with two outs. Dani Woods single up the middle to score pinch runner Dominique Accetturo from second. DePaul catcher Kara Amundson gunned down Woods attempting to steal second to end the fourth inning and the Crimson Tide scoring treat.
The Blue Demons were down by one, going into the sixth inning. Sophomore shortstop Jessica Evans led off with a single up the middle to ignite the DePaul offense. Evans advanced to second on Dana Kenney fielder’s choice and both runners advanced on Stephanie VanBrakle’s wild pitch. Two batters and outs latter, VanBrakle threw another wild pitch allowing a sprinting Evans to score from third.
Alabama’s Jordan Praytor sent a ball to the fence in right field, but a sprinting Sara Bandauski made a spectacular catch to get the first out of the sixth inning. The Crimson Tides’ Ashley Courtney singled but the next two batters were called out to end the Alabama threat.
DePaul starter Megan Huitink gave up five hits and fanned four batters in seven innings of work.
VanBrakle gave-up two Blue Demon hits, and struck out 11.
The Blue Demons are making their third appearance in the Women’s College World Series. They advanced in to the WCWS 1999 and 2000. The 2000 team was eliminated by Alabama.
The conclusion of the DePaul/Alabama game will not be televised Sunday morning. Either Alabama or DePaul will play Tennessee at 2:00 p.m. with the game being broadcast on ESPN.
