Alabama's Patrick Murphy: SEC Tournament 'a clean slate for everybody'

In its opening game at the SEC Tournament, Alabama is taking one lesson from coach Patrick Murphy to heart as it seeks a deep run and a possible league title.

What happened in the past is in the past.

“Once the postseason starts it’s a clean slate for everybody,” Murphy told the SEC Network’s Alyssa Lang during a game against LSU. “LSU, us, Auburn, everybody in the league. All the stats that you did in the regular season do not mean anything. So if you did well, good for you. But if you didn’t do well, here’s your chance.”

Murphy doubled down on his stance that anything can happen in the postseason by pointing out there are sometimes some unlikely heroes in the conference tournament.

“You can be the MVP of the SEC Tournament and hit .200 in the regular season,” he said.

Getting hot at the right time, of course, certainly helps. Alabama was off to a good start in the game against LSU, jumping on the Tigers right away.

The action started after Alabama drew a leadoff walk and then right fielder Larissa Preuitt hit a single to the catcher. A sacrifice moved both runners over.

Second baseman Kali Heivilin hit a two-RBI double to left center field, scoring both runners and opening up a 2-0 Alabama lead.

The Crimson Tide were cruising as they protected that lead into the bottom of the fourth inning at the time of this writing. Pitcher Kayla Beaver was electric in the early going.

“Love it. Her energy, her passion, her fire, I absolutely love it,” Patrick Murphy said. “She brings that to the team and I think it spreads to everyone else on the field. And the coaches, we love it too. But she’s throwing 70, 71, I looked at the gun a couple times.”

Through the first four innings, Beaver had given up just one hit while striking out five batters.