Alabama softball shuts out Belmont, advances to Tuscaloosa Regional championship

Alabama softball was prepared for its toughest game of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional yet, but a 3-0 shutout win shut down Belmont on Saturday, May 17.

No. 1 overall-seeded Alabama (51-7) hosts the Tuscaloosa Regional, welcoming USC Upstate (36-22), Belmont (41-12) and SE Louisiana (46-15) to Rhoads Stadium.

The Crimson Tide started off strong with an 8-0 run-rule win (5 innings) over SC Upstate on Friday. Now, Alabama will advance to the Tuscaloosa Regional championship game.

Here’s a recap of all the action in Alabama’s win over Belmont.

Alabama softball shuts out Belmont in NCAA Tournament

The Crimson Tide didn’t need more than three runs at the top of the first inning to secure its second-straight shutout in a 3-0 win over the Bruins.

Alabama’s opponent in the championship game will be determined by the remainder of Saturday’s bracket. The championship game will take place at noon CT Sunday, May 17, with TV information to be determined.

Tuscaloosa Regional schedule, bracket for Saturday

• Game 3: Alabama 3, Belmont 0
• Game 4: SC Upstate vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 3:30 p.m. CT
• Game 5: Game 4 Winner vs. Belmont, 6 p.m. CT

Alabama softball maintains score, Bruins up for last chance

Kristen White doubled to centerfield and Brooke Wells was walked on a full count, but Alabama couldn't add any final cushion to its lead at the top of the seventh inning. It's now down to a final three outs for Belmont.

Alabama softball, Belmont stay put heading into final frame

Jena Young started off the fifth inning with a double to left center field, but Alabama batters were otherwise retired through the fifth and sixth innings.

Belmont batters were retired in order through the fifth, but Tallulah Eic singled up the middle to record the Bruins' first hit of the game at the bottom of the sixth. After stealing second, Belmont flied out to close the inning.

Alabama leads 3-0 over Belmont heading into the final inning.

Alabama softball can't capitalize, leaves runners stranded

With runners on second and third, Salen Hawkins fouled out and Kristen White flied out to centerfield to close the top of the fourth inning scoreless. Belmont batters were retired in order at the bottom of the inning, and Alabama leads 3-0 over Belmont heading into the fifth.

Scoreless second, third innings in Alabama softball vs Belmont

Each Alabama and Belmont batter was retired in order through the second and third innings.

Alabama leads 3-0 over Belmont at the top of the fourth.

Belmont batters retired in order to close out first

Jocelyn Briski struck out two, and a groundout closed out the first inning with Alabama softball leading 3-0 over Belmont.

Audrey Vandagriff pushes Alabama softball lead

Audrey Vandagriff may have grounded out, but the hit allowed Ana Roman to score and extend Alabama's lead 3-0 over Belmont and close out scoring at the top of the first inning.

Alabama softball strikes first, courtesy of Marlie Giles

Marlie Giles got Alabama on the board for the second game in a row. Instead of a home run this time, she shot a 2-RBI single to right field, setting the Crimson Tide up 2-0 over Belmont at the top of the first inning with one out.

Alabama softball vs Belmont starting lineup

When does Alabama softball play vs Belmont in Tuscaloosa Regional?

• Location: Rhoads Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

• Game time: 1 p.m. CT Saturday, May 16

First pitch in the Alabama softball vs. Belmont matchup is set for 1 p.m. CT Saturday, May 16. The second matchup of the day, SC Upstate vs. SE Louisiana, will begin at 3:30 p.m. CT. The winner of that game will face the loser of the Alabama softball vs. Belmont game at 6 p.m. CT.

What channel is Alabama softball vs Belmont in Tuscaloosa Regional?

• Streaming: ESPN+

Each of Saturday's games will air on ESPN+, which offers a free trial.

How to listen to Alabama softball vs Belmont in Tuscaloosa Regional

• LISTEN: Catfish 100.1 FM

You can tune into each Alabama softball game on Catfish 100.1 FM.

Tuscaloosa Regional full schedule, bracket

Friday, May 15

• Alabama 8, SC Upstate 0 (five innings)
• Belmont 2, SE Louisiana 0

Saturday, May 16

• Game 3: Alabama vs. Belmont, 1 p.m. CT
• Game 4: SC Upstate vs. SE Louisiana, 3:30 p.m. CT
• Game 5: Game 4 Winner vs. Game 3 Loser, 6 p.m. CT

Sunday, May 17

• Game 6: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner, noon CT
• Game 7: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 6 Loser (if necessary), 2:30 p.m. CT

Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at [email protected].