Badgers take down No. 13 Alabama

Sunday, March 12

Austin, TX

9:30 AM

Wisconsin Badgers

13-8

University of Alabama

20-6

Wisconsin

Alabama

Photo by: Ashley Steltenpohl

Badgers take down No. 13 Alabama

March 12, 2023 | Softball

Box Score

Wisconsin wins last game at the Bevo Classic

By: Peyton Cox

AUSTIN, Texas. - The Wisconsin Badgers (13-8) played an intense back-and-forth game against No. 13 Alabama (20-6) and came out on top 7-6, winning against the ranked opponent and ending the weekend 3-2.

Alabama went up early in the bottom of the first inning following a walk, a wild pitch, and an error by Wisconsin's defense to take a 1-0 lead. That score remained until the action-packed fourth inning.

Wisconsin's Peyton Bannon reached on an error, and both Rylie Crane and Katie Linkletter were hit by a pitch to load the bases in the fourth. Skylar Sirdashney came up clutch and doubled down the left field line to score Crane and Bannon to go up 2-1.

However, the Crimson Tide responded right back with a three-run homer to regain the lead of 4-2. The Badgers didn't stay down for long, though, as the fifth inning provided the team with three runs on three hits. Kayla Konwent continued her impressive showing at the Bevo Classic and singled through the right side. A walk in between Konwent and Crane put two runners on for the freshman before she hit an RBI single to score Marytherese Nevin, Konwent's pinch runner. Christaana Angelopulos continued the inning by rocketing a 2-RBI double to right center, and Wisconsin reclaimed their lead 5-4.

The Badgers were not able to stay comfortable for long as Alabama hit a double and a two-run dinger to take back the advantage with a score of 6-5. Yet Wisconsin could not be counted out with a Katie Keller double in the sixth inning, putting a Badger in scoring position. Kayla Konwent was once again as clutch as they come hitting a massive two-run bomb off of Alabama's ace, Montana Fouts, to give Wisconsin the ultimate lead at 7-6.

In the final frame and Alabama's last chance at-bats, the Crimson Tide went down in order and the Badgers won in dramatic fashion. With two outs, Kate Linkletter secured the victory for UW after catching the ball in foul territory and crashing into the wall.

Alright, y'all asked for it! Here's @klinkletter3 crashing into the wall and hanging onto the ball for the final out and capture the victory over the No. 13 Crimson Tide. #SCTop10 | @NCAASoftball pic.twitter.com/mnf2TPQeE1
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) March 12, 2023

Alabama couldn't find an answer, and the Badgers won with the help of Paytn Monticelli and Maddie Schwartz. Monticelli started on the mound and struck out five batters, allowing four runs and four hits in the 3.2 innings. Maddie Schwartz came in the bottom of the fourth and threw two strike outs, scattered two hits, and gave up two runs in 3.2 innings and improve to 3-5 on the season.

FYI: Cardinal red >>> Crimson red ‼️

THE BADGERS TAKE DOWN NO. 13 ALABAMA👏#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/GuFSZYip3C
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) March 12, 2023

"Batting Cleanup"

The last time Wisconsin defeated Alabama was on February 22, 2002.
Kayla Konwent went 2-for-4 in her last two games hitting .500 against both No. 9 Texas and No. 13 Alabama
Rylie Crane and Katie Keller notched a hit in 4 of the 5 games this weekend in Austin
Paytn Monticelli threw 9 K's in her three appearances

Up Next: Big Ten play is right around the corner and Michigan State will be the first team the Badgers play, the series will take place from March 24 to March 26. Wisconsin will then return home and play in-state opponent Green Bay for a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 28 at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.