Why Alexis Mack Is The Unsung Hero Of The SEC Tournament
It is easy to see why junior pitcher Montana Fouts and senior catcher Bailey Hemphill are the talk of Alabama softball. However, flying under the radar all season long and has been a big part of the success of the Crimson Tide in the 2021 season is graduate outfielder, Alexis Mack.
Mack has been a key part of Alabama's offense hitting an impressive .413 this season with 62 hits and 16 runs batted in. Mack throughout the SEC Tournament in Tuscaloosa this week has also been contributing in the biggest moments. In the semi-final game against Tennessee, Mack would have the base hit to setup Hemphill's Alabama's home run to take the lead in the 6th inning, her 61st of the year which is a club record.
Mack is also riding an impressive 9 game hitting streak dating back to April 30th in the series against the Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy spoke Friday after Alabama's win against Tennessee about the importance of Mack's role on the team.
"A lot people don't talk or write about her." Murphy said. "A lot of times I tell her, get on so we can get Bailey up with someone on and a lot of times she does. She played her role to perfection tonight against Tennessee and has been consistent all year."
Against Florida in the SEC Championship on Saturday, Mack would hit 2 for 4 with 1 run scored on a suicide squeeze play in the top of the 1st inning. Coach Murphy believed that the squeeze play was crucial to Alabama's fast start against the Gators.
"My stomach was turning like crazy when I called it." Murphy said. "I thought it was gonna be a good pitch to hit and Mack got a great jump out of it. It was the beginning of a great inning for us and we were happy with how it turned out. Her presence and her speed cause anxiety for any defense. She knows how important her role is and she relishes that role and isn't nervous at all about it."
Alabama will now wait to see who they will be taking on in the NCAA Super Regional tournament. Continue to listen to Tidal Talk on Tide 100.9 every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-10 p.m. For more coverage of Alabama Softball!
More From 95.3 The Bear
