The Birmingham Giants used several run rule games, a no hitter, a perfect game a 3 shutouts on their way to the organizations 5th state title and the teams first, raising their season record to 18-5 . In game 1 of pool play, after trailing 5-4 going into the last inning, the Giants posted 2 runs to escape a solid Hits team with a 6-5 win. Raegan Thrasher started the game in the circle, allowing no earned runs on 3 hits while striking out 4 in 2 innings of work, before being relieved by Alyssa Faircloth who picked up the win in relief. At the plate the Giants 9 hits came from Taylor Mancone (2), Jayla Hansen (1), Abby Barger (2), Jenna York (1), Raegan Thrasher (2) and Sarah Williams (1) to drive in the Giants 6 runs in the 6-5 win.
In game 2 of pool play, the Giants offense continued to pound the ball, with 10 more hits, including hits from Claire Laubenthal (1), Taylor Mancone (1), Jayla Hansen (1), Jenna York (1), Abby Barger (1), Raegan Thrasher (2b), Sarah Williams (2), and Kalea Hewitt (2, 1 2b). In the circle Jenna York got the start allowing just 1 earned run on 3 hits while striking out 3, and Raegan Thrasher closed out the final 2 innings, striking out 3 in the 11-2 win. The win seated the Giants first in pool d, moving into bracket play with a first round bye.
The Undertakers 04 were the first up, and after a first inning score of 2-2, the Giants blew the game open with a 7 run 2nd inning, enroute to the 11-2 victory. Raegan Thrasher tossed 3 innings, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 3, and Alyssa Faircloth stuck out the side in her inning of work as the Giants cruised. Offensively, the Giants the Giants pounded out 9 more hits (28 through 3 games), Claire Laubenthal (2), Taylor Mancone (1), Abby Barger (1), Nattie Miles (1), Alyssa Faircloth (2), Sarah William (1), and Kalea Hewitt (1) all had hits in the victory.
In round 3, for the 45th time in Giants history (2009-2017), a Giants pitcher threw a no hitter. Alyssa Faircloth worked 5 innings of no hit ball, striking out 10, (becoming the 6th Giants pitcher to reach double digits strike outs), walking just 2. The Red Hots pitching quited the giants bats a little allowing just 4 hits (Claire Laubenthal (1), Jayla Hansen (1), Nattie Miles (1), and Raegan Thrasher (1)) but the giants pushed 6 runs across in the 6-0 no hit win.
The win moved the Giants into round 4, again to face Hits, this time however, the giants bats took over launching an 11 hit, 15 run attack in the 15-2 win. Claire Laubenthal (2B), Jayla Hansen (1), Abby Barger (1), Jenna York (1), Nattie Miles (2B), Alyssa Faircloth (2), Raegan Thrasher (1), Sarah Williams (1), and Kalea Hewitt (2, 1 2B) all had hits for the Giants. In the circle Raegan Thrasher gave the Giants another quality start, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 3 for the victory. The win moved the Giants into the semifinals against Beastmode Fast pitch.
After 9 years and 1039 games, 45 No Hitters, countless shutouts, Alyssa Faircloth and the 04 Birmingham Giants did what no other Giants team has accomplished, over 4 innings in the run rule shortened game, they were perfect, and became the first Giants team to have a perfect game. Alyssa Faircloth struck out 9, and allowed no baserunners, as no ball was even hit out of the infield. Offensively the Giants attacked with 7 hits and 10 runs in the 10-0 win. Hits from Claire Laubenthal (2), Taylor Mancone (2), Abby Barger (1), Jenna York (1), and Kalea Hewitt (3B) led the way in the victory. The perfect game was also the first time a Giants pitcher has tossed no hitters in back to back starts. The win moved the Giants into the state finals, where the faced off for the 3rd time with Hits.
After a 4 hour delay, the Giants took the field in the first game of a 2 game playoff for the state title and fizzled. Although they managed 9 hits and 4 runs, they fell 12-4 in game 1. Hits came from Claire Laubethal (1), Taylor Mancone (2), Jayla Hansen (2), Jenna York (1), Nattie Miles (1), and Sarah Williams (2). The loss was the giants first of the double elimination tournament, and forced a 1 game playoff against Hits for the State Title.
In game 2, Raegan Thrasher took the circle controlling the game, allowing just 2 hits, while striking out 2, and the Giants offense exploded for 12 runs on 6 hits (Claire Laubethal (2B), Kalea Hewitt (2, 2 2B), Taylor Mancone (1), and Sarah William (2, 1 2B)), as the giants run ruled in the final game 12-0 to win the State Tournament.
The Giants play next in Cottondale.
