In the 2023 Women’s College World Series, Marlie Giles pinch hit for Alabama softball and drilled a solo homer over the fence. The Crimson Tide lost that game, but Giles’ big game ability was notable.

On Friday, with the Crimson Tide and Duke tied 1-1, Giles stepped up to the WCWS plate once again in the sixth inning. On a 1-0 count, Blue Devils pitcher Cassidy Curd sent one to the sweet spot, and Giles took advantage.

The catcher from Chilton County sent the ball to right center, and the Crimson Tide staved off elimination, beating Duke 2-1.

“My dad has always said for some reason the Lord is always with me in big moments,” Giles said. “Sometimes, most of the time honestly, I come through for some reason. I just thank the Lord for it because I really don’t know.”

The home run wasn’t Giles’ only big hit Friday. In the first inning, she drove home Kenleigh Cahalan with an RBI double that gave the Tide an early lead.

UA head coach Patrick Murphy offered praise for the sophomore after the win.

“She saw the ball as big as a basketball tonight,” Murphy said “It was perfect timing. We had a runner on, she hits the double. The next time she hits a home run. Two RBIs, one person. That’s all (Kayla) Beaver needed.”

Alabama was facing elimination in Friday’s game. That’s how it will be again on Sunday, when the Crimson Tide plays the loser of Texas and Florida’s matchup.

The formula for UA this postseason has included one big hit, from Riley Valentine’s grand slam to beat Tennessee in the super regional, to Giles’ solo shot on Friday.

If the catcher can keep coming up huge in big moments, it’d be a major boost for an Alabama team that tends to struggle offensively.

It’d also be a big end to a year that’s seen Giles on the comeback trail. She broke her arm in a collision against Kentucky on March 30.

Her recovery took until May 2, when she returned against Auburn.

“It’s definitely been a long year,” Giles said. “Been a journey, for sure. I know for me personally, like, I’ve put my faith in God through the whole process, and that’s helped me come back as fast as possible.”

Her bat has been a spark to the lineup, but her presence as UA’s starting catcher is also stabilizing for the Tide’s pitchers. She caught the final out from Kayla Beaver on Friday, as the graduate transfer from Arkansas State earned the win in relief.

Beaver, who is well aware that each Alabama game could be her final college softball appearance, was thrilled to have her battery mate back for the late going of the season.

“It means everything,” Beaver said. “Me and her, we’ve been working well together all year. What she’s done since she’s been back, again, I can’t be more proud of her. She has come in, put the work in, come back guns-a-blazing. She’s been incredible behind the plate and in the lineup.”

Alabama will play at 2 p.m. CT Sunday, against either Texas or Florida.