Alabama can wrap up division title at Arkansas

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team’s No. 1 national ranking and 18-game winning streak are intact going into today’s doubleheader at Arkansas, an exhibition loss to the U.S. Olympic team notwithstanding.

The Crimson Tide’s 7-0 loss to the U.S. team at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills doesn’t count on UA’s record, but it could provide a boost despite the result.

“To play against these guys now is almost like an out-of-conference UCLA or Arizona game,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said of the game against the Olympians. “You really don’t get that in softball, especially this late in the season. In that respect I think it’s going to be a good thing.

“I think the hitters will be really excited to hit because nobody got a hit [against the U.S.]. I hope we make Arkansas pay for it.”

Alabama can clinch the Southeastern Conference Western Division title with a sweep of the Lady Razorbacks in the mid-week, two-game series.

“Hopefully we do that,” Murphy said. “The magic number is two.

“I know that they’re playing a lot better than they have. They swept Kentucky. They took a game from [No. 8] Oklahoma, which was a big surprise to me, and they should have beat them in the second game. They’re improved.”

Alabama has won 32 of the 39 games played between the two schools, including 17 in a row. The last Arkansas victory over the Tide came in 2002, and UA has won eight straight on Arkansas’ home field.

Tide shortstop Kellie Eubanks doesn’t want to look ahead. She believes the team needs to concentrate on the next game rather than on the big picture and the chance to clinch the division.

“Just go out there and play,” she said. “Take it one step at a time and one game at a time.”

Murphy has had to carefully juggle his team’s schedule this week. The Tide played three games at Auburn last weekend and the U.S. game on Tuesday. Alabama will host South Carolina in a three-game series this weekend after flying back from Arkansas late tonight.

“It’s just such a busy week,” he said. “I’m glad that there’s days in between.”

Junior All-American second baseman Lauren Parker did not play against the U.S. She watched the game in uniform with her left arm in a sling. She has battled a recurring shoulder problem since late last season.

“It’s just day to day again,” Murphy said. “It’s her shoulder, the one that had the operation. It’s just unfortunate. Everybody feels bad for her.”

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224.