STARKVILLE -- It may be that all's well that ends well, but it was the start that cost the fourth-ranked University of Alabama softball team in Friday's loss to Auburn at the SEC Tournament.
The Crimson Tide fell 6-4 at Nusz Park after giving up four runs in the first inning. UA scored in four different innings after that, but never pushed more than one run across in any turn at bat.
It marked the third straight game that Alabama has given up at least two runs in the first inning.
"In championship, postseason softball, you have to have three things to win the game: starting pitching, defense and hitting," Murphy said.