In the first game of their road series against LSU, Alabama softball got off to a rough start and couldn’t recover, losing 8-0 in a run-rule game that ended in the fifth inning. The game was a tough one for the Crimson Tide, marking their second run-rule loss of the season, and their first in SEC play.

The game started badly for Alabama when LSU quickly put three runs on the board in the first inning. Alabama pitcher Emily Winstead was pulled early after allowing four hits and three runs (two earned). Braya Hodges took over but couldn’t stop LSU from building more momentum. By the third inning, LSU had scored five more runs, including a three-run single by Maddox McKee and an error that added another run. The Tigers added a final two-run blast in the fourth inning to seal the 8-0 victory.

Alabama’s offense couldn’t get anything going against LSU pitcher Sydney Berzon, who allowed just four hits and struck out five. With the loss, Alabama drops to 27-14 overall and 4-6 in the SEC, while LSU improves to 33-4 and 7-3 in conference play. The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back in the second game of the series on Saturday.