The Duke softball program made history in 2024 with its first berth in the Women’s College World Series. Now, the Blue Devils are in search of their first victory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — and their postseason lives depend on it.
Duke on Thursday ran into three-time defending national champion Oklahoma, which run-ruled the Blue Devils 9-1 in six innings. However, Duke did briefly take a 1-0 lead over the Sooners off a Francesca Frelick solo home run in the top of the second. The Blue Devils also loaded the bases in the top of the fourth with a chance to tie or lead OU, were it not for a tremendous defensive effort off what ultimately was a Gisele Tapia fly out.
More: Watch the Women’s College World Series live on Fubo (free trial)
In order to avoid an early exit from the WCWS, Duke must now take on a similarly desperate team to avoid elimination: No. 14 national seed Alabama.
The Crimson Tide fell 4-1 to UCLA in the first game of the 2024 WCWS, giving up what proved to be the game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Though it’s not as decorated as Oklahoma, coach Patrick Murphy’s squad should present enough stiff challenge to the Blue Devils. Alabama, which won the WCWS in 2012 and has made it to the event in four of the past five years in which it was held, is 38-19 and reached the WCWS by beating No. 3 Tennessee on the road in the super regionals.
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As the two sides prepare to face off with their respective 2024 seasons on the line, here’s everything you need to know about the game, including time, date, TV and streaming info, and more:
What channel is Duke softball vs Alabama?
The Blue Devils and Crimson Tide will square off on ESPN2. Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Michele Smith (analyst) and Jessica Mendoza (analyst) will be on the call while Holly Rowe will serve as the on-field reporter.
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, ESPN+ and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Duke softball vs Alabama start time
Date : Friday, May 31Time : 7 p.m. ET
First pitch for Duke’s WCWS game against Alabama is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Friday from Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
REQUIRED READING: Duke softball runs into buzz saw in loss to Oklahoma at WCWS
Duke softball schedule 2024
Here are Duke’s 2024 NCAA softball tournament results. To see the Blue Devils’ full 2024 schedule, click here.
Durham Regional
Friday, May 17 : Duke 6, Morgan State 1Saturday, May 18 : Duke 8, South Carolina 0 (six innings)Sunday, May 19 : Duke 10, South Carolina 1
Columbia Super Regional
Friday, May 24 : Duke 6, Missouri 3Saturday, May 25 : Missouri 3, Duke 1Sunday, May 26 : Duke 4, Missouri 3 (nine innings)
Women’s College World Series
Thursday, May 30 : Oklahoma 9, Duke 1Friday, May 31 : vs. Alabama
Alabama softball schedule 2024
Here are Alabama’s 2024 NCAA softball tournament results. To see the Crimson Tide’s full 2024 schedule, click here
Tuscaloosa Regional
Friday, May 17 : Alabama 1, USC Upstate 0Saturday, May 18 : Alabama 6, Southeastern Louisiana 3 (nine innings)Sunday, May 19 : Alabama 12, Southeastern Louisiana 2 (five innings)
Knoxville Super Regional
Friday, May 24 : Tennessee 3, Alabama 2Saturday, May 25 : Alabama 3, Tennessee 2 (14 innings)Sunday, May 26 : Alabama 4, Tennessee 1
Women’s College World Series
Thursday, May 30 : UCLA 4, Alabama 1Friday, May 31 : vs. Duke
