2026 WCWS: Wells go-ahead blast lifts Alabama past UCLA
Brooke Wells was a highly touted recruit. The former five-star decided to enter the transfer portal this past offseason in hopes of finding a way to Oklahoma City. In the biggest moment of her career, Wells delivered for Alabama. The All-American’s three-run go-ahead blast led Alabama to a 6-3 win over UCLA.
Wells, who had been the Tide’s best hitter all season long, struggled in Super Regionals, going hitless. She quickly got that monkey off her back with a single and clearly saw UCLA starter Taylor Tinsley well as she lined the three-run homer to opposite field.
“It was great to do it for these girls,” Wells said. “These girls are so great. They had my back all last weekend, you know, how he said. It wasn’t the best weekend for me, but they never lost trust in me, they never lost faith in me. The girls picked me up all weekend. I walked in here feeling as confident as ever. Didn’t really cross my mind anything that happened last weekend.”
Wells now leads Alabama with 24 home runs and 68 RBIs.
“Her numbers are just unbelievable,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. “I think it was the 24th home run tonight. I think I saw that somewhere. Pupillo had 20. We did not think it was going to be that much, though, to be honest with you. We knew she was a good hitter, had a great swing. But her production has been just unreal for us.”
Jocelyn Briski looked her best the first time through the order, allowing one hit to the eight-hole Kaniya Bragg. The top of the UCLA lineup quickly made adjustments. Rylee Slimp, who struck out on three pitches to start the game, lifted a full count riseball from Briski for a two-run homer to give the Bruins the lead.
Megan Grant stepped to the plate after popping up, following Slimp’s lead. She sent out her 41st homer of the season, which also tied Stacey Nuveman for the career UCLA record with 90 career home runs.
Briski allowed a single to Jordan Woolery, but settled back in. The SEC Pitcher of the Year retired 13 of the next 15 batters to finish the game. She ended the night allowing three runs on six hits and striking out nine, which was the second-most against the Bruins’ historic offense this season. Despite the fact that she gave up three runs, it was a masterful performance by the junior righty.
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“She’s done it all year, seriously,” Murphy said. “I’m glad that you guys got to see it because it’s truly been like that all year. No walks. Pretty much pound the zone, throw strikes. Here it is. She just has been so consistent game in and game out throughout the last four months. So I’m glad you got to see it tonight.”
Taylor Tinsley started the game, allowing back-to-back singles. However, the veteran avoided the big inning. She allowed a two-out RBI single to Marlie Giles, but responded by inducing an inning-ending groundout from Audrey Vandagriff.
Alabama continued to struggle with runners in scoring position. Alexis Pupillo took matters into her own hands. After a four-pitch leadoff walk to Jena Young, Pupillo hit a two-run, game-tying homer in the fifth. The Tide ended the game going 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, but Wells and Pupillo came through when it mattered the most.
The Bruins will play with their season on the line on Friday against the loser of Nebraska-Arkansas at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Alabama stays in the winners bracket and will play the winner of the aforementioned game on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
