Baylor Softball Run-Rules No. 13 Louisiana, Advances to Regional Final

LAFAYETTE, LA. – Baylor softball (34-20) will advance to its first NCAA Tournament Regional Final since 2018 after a five-inning, 8-0 run-rule defeat of No. 13 Louisiana (43-18) Saturday afternoon at Lamson Park.

The highlight of the victory came in the second inning when third baseman Aliyah Binford (Jr.) smoked a grand slam to cap off a seven-run frame. Through two games in the Lafayette Regional, BU has outscored opponents 11-to-1 and has totaled three home runs.

Baylor Athletics

Through two games in the Lafayette Regional, Baylor has outscored opponents 11-to-1. After Saturday’s win, the Bears will advance to their first NCAA Tournament Regional Final since 2018.

In the circle, right-handed pitcher RyLee Crandall (So.) earned the win for the Bears, tossing a complete-game, shut-out gem. Crandall collected three strikeouts and surrendered just two base hits on the afternoon.

Baylor jumped out to an early lead with a seven-spot in the second inning. Earlier in the frame, the Bears turned the pressure up on Louisiana’s defense with three bunts – all three of which reached base.

With the bases juiced and one out, shortstop Presleigh Pilon (Jr.) hit a towering RBI sacrifice fly to the center field warning track that was mere feet from a grand slam. Two at-bats later, Binford didn’t miss her opportunity and crushed a grand slam over the left-field wall. Before that pitch, Binford was 0-for-13 at the plate against Louisiana this season.

In the fourth, the Ragin’ Cajuns were threatening with runners on first and second base. Third baseman Brooke Ellestad (Jr.) lined a deep shot to center field but Taylor Strain (Sr.) made another incredible running grab to keep the shutout intact.

First baseman Shaylon Govan (Jr.) sealed the victory with her team-leading 10th home run of the season in the fifth. The First-Team All-Big 12 slugger has hit long balls in back-to-back days and finished the contest 2-for-2; she leads the conference in batting average (.453).

Final (5 Innings): Baylor 8, No. 13 Louisiana 0

W: RyLee Crandall (15-8) L: Sam Landry (24-9)

POTG: Aliyah Binford (1-for-3, HR, 4 RBI, R)

WHAT’S NEXT

Baylor softball (34-20) will now play on Sunday in the Regional Final against the winner of No. 13 Louisana (43-18) versus Ole Miss/Princeton at Lamson Park. The first pitch time is yet to be determined.