⚾ 🥎 UA vs Valpo:Baseball Completes the Sweep of Valparaiso with 12-6 Victory on Sunday
- Thread starter TerryP
- Start date
Focusing on in state talent will help a bunch. We have some dynamite high school programs in the state and within an hour of t town.
I know we signed a kid from Helena, Pelham and such finally this last cycle and have a few more over the mountain kids slated to come in this year but we had been ignoring these schools for several years and watched them go to Vanderbilt, old miss and miss state only to watch them beat us regularly.
Plus when more local kids make it the attendance at the games improve because there are more local people following along.
I hope he continues to focus on some of our state's best programs and then reach out for premier talent to supplement what we can do in state.
Just to piggyback off of this point. 2 in state products will get the starts on the bump Friday and Saturday. Sam Finnerty and Jake Walters.
bama alum
Member
The kid from Helena, Sam Praytor (catcher) is really, really good! This is Jake Walters' senior year. I taught him a number of years ago. He had a decent year last year; I hope he ends his career with Bama with a superb campaign. There's also a true freshman from Hoover. I think I remember his name on the local news a few times, but not to the magnitude I did with Praytor.
Like you, I hope this new staff sees the talent here in the over-the-mountain and Shelby players. There's a lot of really good baseball played here.
Offense Powers Baseball to 16-2 Victory over Valparaiso in Season Opener
The Crimson Tide collected 17 hits to score its most runs in a home opener since 1968
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Brad Bohannon era of Alabama baseball began with a 16-2 win over Valparaiso on Friday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The 16 runs scored were the most in a Crimson Tide head coaching debut since 1898.
"It was a fun day," said Bohannon. "I told the guys in the dugout – I don't think I could've scripted it out any better. We talked so much about throwing strikes and defending the field. After the first time through the order where everybody was trying to hit the ball to the moon, we settled down. I really couldn't have written a better first day for this group."
The Crimson Tide used 17 hits to score 16 runs with each of the starters scoring at least one run and eight of the nine starters collecting at least one hit. Alabama's 16 runs were its most in a season-opening game since 1958 when UA took down Tulane, 20-1, at Tulane on March 28, and the run total was also the highest for the Crimson Tide in a home opener since 1968 when UA defeated Livingston on March 18 by a score of 17-2. Alabama's 16 runs under the direction of Bohannon were the third most in a head coaching debut in program history and the most since Joseph Black's 1898 team defeated Massey's Business College, 20-3.
Alabama's offense was highlighted by three-hit efforts from a pair of juniors in Cobie Vance, who went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI, a walk and two runs scored, and Jett Manning with the shortstop finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, a team-high three RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore Walker McCleney matched his career-high mark and paced the Tide offense with three runs scored as part of his 1-for-3 night that included a double.
Sam Finnerty (1-0) earned his first win of the season behind a strong outing that saw the junior go a career-long 6.0 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with no walks and two strikeouts. Finnerty tossed 78 pitches before handing the ball off to his bullpen, which saw the trio of Tyler Adams, Brady Greene and Mason Duke finish the remaining three innings to secure the victory.
Valparaiso struck first, using a solo home run in the top of the first to gain the early 1-0 advantage. Alabama would respond three innings later with an eight-run fourth on the power of seven hits to put the game out of reach. The fourth began with back-to-back singles from senior Chandler Avant and Manning to place runners on the corners. Sam Praytor followed with a double to score the first two Tide runs of the season and collect the first two RBI of his freshman career, putting the Tide in front, 2-1.
One batter later, Vance drew a walk before junior Gene Wood sent a single through the right side to plate the man from second. After Joe Breaux, a junior, loaded the bases with a walk, senior Hunter Alexander delivered a double down the line in left to cross two more and force a Valpo pitching change.
Sophomore John Trousdale greeted the new arm with a two-RBI single up the middle to extend the Crimson Tide lead. Avant would continue the inning's hot hitting, sending a double off the left field wall before Manning capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to score one more and move the Tide's lead to 8-1 after four full.
Alabama would extend the lead, scoring six runs across the next two frames, plating one in the fifth and putting up a five-spot in the sixth. McCleney drew a walk to lead off the fifth before Vance reached on an error to place runners on first and second for the Tide. After Wood reached on a fielder's choice, Breaux got aboard on a Crusader miscue, allowing McCleney to come across and increase the UA advantage to 9-1.
In the sixth, Avant was hit by a pitch before Manning sent a two-run shot to right field for his first career home run at Alabama and the Tide's first rounder-tripper of the season. One batter later, McCleney sent a double to right field before scoring in the next at-bat as Vance followed suit with a double of his own. A walk and a fielder's choice put runners on the corners for Alexander, who capitalized in the next at-bat, sending a single to center to plate Vance. One batter later, Breaux would cross to cap the inning's scoring on an error by the VU left fielder, moving the lead to 14-2.
The Tide would strike for two more in the bottom of the seventh, using a pair of hits to pad its lead and set the score at 16-2, the eventual final.
The Crimson Tide and Crusaders will return to action tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. CT. Alabama will look to senior right-hander Jake Walters for the series victory, while Valparaiso will counter with a senior righty of their own, Trey Ferketic. Fans can catch all of the action on SEC Network+.
Offense Powers Baseball to 16-2 Victory over Valparaiso in Season Opener - Alabama Athletics
The Crimson Tide collected 17 hits to score its most runs in a home opener since 1968
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Brad Bohannon era of Alabama baseball began with a 16-2 win over Valparaiso on Friday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The 16 runs scored were the most in a Crimson Tide head coaching debut since 1898.
"It was a fun day," said Bohannon. "I told the guys in the dugout – I don't think I could've scripted it out any better. We talked so much about throwing strikes and defending the field. After the first time through the order where everybody was trying to hit the ball to the moon, we settled down. I really couldn't have written a better first day for this group."
The Crimson Tide used 17 hits to score 16 runs with each of the starters scoring at least one run and eight of the nine starters collecting at least one hit. Alabama's 16 runs were its most in a season-opening game since 1958 when UA took down Tulane, 20-1, at Tulane on March 28, and the run total was also the highest for the Crimson Tide in a home opener since 1968 when UA defeated Livingston on March 18 by a score of 17-2. Alabama's 16 runs under the direction of Bohannon were the third most in a head coaching debut in program history and the most since Joseph Black's 1898 team defeated Massey's Business College, 20-3.
Alabama's offense was highlighted by three-hit efforts from a pair of juniors in Cobie Vance, who went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI, a walk and two runs scored, and Jett Manning with the shortstop finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, a team-high three RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore Walker McCleney matched his career-high mark and paced the Tide offense with three runs scored as part of his 1-for-3 night that included a double.
Sam Finnerty (1-0) earned his first win of the season behind a strong outing that saw the junior go a career-long 6.0 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with no walks and two strikeouts. Finnerty tossed 78 pitches before handing the ball off to his bullpen, which saw the trio of Tyler Adams, Brady Greene and Mason Duke finish the remaining three innings to secure the victory.
Valparaiso struck first, using a solo home run in the top of the first to gain the early 1-0 advantage. Alabama would respond three innings later with an eight-run fourth on the power of seven hits to put the game out of reach. The fourth began with back-to-back singles from senior Chandler Avant and Manning to place runners on the corners. Sam Praytor followed with a double to score the first two Tide runs of the season and collect the first two RBI of his freshman career, putting the Tide in front, 2-1.
One batter later, Vance drew a walk before junior Gene Wood sent a single through the right side to plate the man from second. After Joe Breaux, a junior, loaded the bases with a walk, senior Hunter Alexander delivered a double down the line in left to cross two more and force a Valpo pitching change.
Sophomore John Trousdale greeted the new arm with a two-RBI single up the middle to extend the Crimson Tide lead. Avant would continue the inning's hot hitting, sending a double off the left field wall before Manning capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to score one more and move the Tide's lead to 8-1 after four full.
Alabama would extend the lead, scoring six runs across the next two frames, plating one in the fifth and putting up a five-spot in the sixth. McCleney drew a walk to lead off the fifth before Vance reached on an error to place runners on first and second for the Tide. After Wood reached on a fielder's choice, Breaux got aboard on a Crusader miscue, allowing McCleney to come across and increase the UA advantage to 9-1.
In the sixth, Avant was hit by a pitch before Manning sent a two-run shot to right field for his first career home run at Alabama and the Tide's first rounder-tripper of the season. One batter later, McCleney sent a double to right field before scoring in the next at-bat as Vance followed suit with a double of his own. A walk and a fielder's choice put runners on the corners for Alexander, who capitalized in the next at-bat, sending a single to center to plate Vance. One batter later, Breaux would cross to cap the inning's scoring on an error by the VU left fielder, moving the lead to 14-2.
The Tide would strike for two more in the bottom of the seventh, using a pair of hits to pad its lead and set the score at 16-2, the eventual final.
The Crimson Tide and Crusaders will return to action tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. CT. Alabama will look to senior right-hander Jake Walters for the series victory, while Valparaiso will counter with a senior righty of their own, Trey Ferketic. Fans can catch all of the action on SEC Network+.
Offense Powers Baseball to 16-2 Victory over Valparaiso in Season Opener - Alabama Athletics
The Tide rallied from a 5-1 deficit to win with a walkoff single in the ninth inning
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – With runners on first and second and two down, junior Joe Breaux lined a single to right field to plate the winning run and walk it off, 6-5, for Alabama baseball against Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. With the win, the Crimson Tide clinches the series and improves to 2-0 overall on the young season.
"It was a big game for us," said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. "I was really pleased with the way that our kids competed. I thought when we got down big early, the dugout stayed really positive. Kyle (Cameron) and Dylan (Duarte) did a great job out of the bullpen of holding the game where it was, and, obviously, Joe (Breaux) got a big hit, so it was a fun day for us."
The Crimson Tide entered the bottom of the ninth with the score even at 5-5. The frame began with freshman Sam Praytorreaching on a hit-by-pitch before being pulled for a pinch-runner in redshirt sophomore Connor Stutts. Alabama's next hitter, junior Keith Holcombe, beat out a bunt to put pressure on and place two aboard for the Tide.
Two batters later, Breaux came up to bat with the runners still on first and second with two outs. Down 1-2 in the count, Breaux knocked a single through the right side, allowing Stutts to score from second and giving the Crimson Tide the walkoff win.
Valparaiso built an early 5-1 lead, chasing Crimson Tide starter Jake Walters after 5.0 innings. The senior allowed five earned on nine hits with a walk and two strikeouts before handing the ball over to his bullpen. The duo of sophomore Kyle Cameronand junior Dylan Duarte shut down the Valpo offense over the final four frames, holding the Crusaders scoreless and giving Alabama a chance to complete the comeback. Duarte (1-0) earned his first victory of the season with 1.1 frames of hitless work that included a strikeout.
The Crusaders struck early with one run in the first. After starting the day with a leadoff single, an RBI-double to right field one batter later gave the Crusaders a 1-0 lead heading to the home half.
Alabama bounced back to even the score with a run of its own in the bottom of the first. Junior Gene Wood and Breaux drew back-to-back one-out walks before a hit-by-pitch to senior Hunter Alexander loaded the bases. Senior Cody Henry brought in the tying run with a walk of his own, this time with two outs, to even things up after one full.
In the next inning, the Crusaders brought in two to take a 3-1 lead. With two outs, a single followed by a walk placed runners on first and second. After a wild pitch moved both runners up, VU took the advantage right back with a two-RBI double. Valpo extended the lead with two more runs in the fourth. The Crusaders used a leadoff single followed by a sacrifice bunt to place a runner in scoring position. Back-to-back singles with two down would follow, making it 5-1.
Alabama narrowed the gap, scoring one in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a solo home run from junior Matt Malkin that trimmed the VU lead to 5-2. The Tide continued to climb back in it, striking for two in the sixth. Sophomore outfielder Walker McCleney led off the inning with a walk before junior infielder Cobie Vance cleared the bases with his first home run of the season, to put the Tide within one at 5-4 after six.
The Tide made it a 5-5 game in the eighth, battling for the game-tying run. Vance led things off with a walk before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt. After Breaux reached on a hit-by-pitch, senior Chandler Avant drew a walk to load the bases. With nowhere to put him, Henry was hit by a pitch, allowing Vance to score, tying the game at five apiece heading into the ninth, where the Tide would win in walkoff fashion.
Alabama will go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Crimson Tide will call on junior righty Sam Gardner in series finale while the Crusaders will look to senior right-hander Wes Gordon to avoid the sweep. Fans can catch all of the action on SEC Network+ with a 1 p.m. CT first pitch.
Walkoff Single from Breaux Completes the Comeback in Baseball’s 6-5 Victory over Valparaiso - Alabama Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – With runners on first and second and two down, junior Joe Breaux lined a single to right field to plate the winning run and walk it off, 6-5, for Alabama baseball against Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. With the win, the Crimson Tide clinches the series and improves to 2-0 overall on the young season.
"It was a big game for us," said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. "I was really pleased with the way that our kids competed. I thought when we got down big early, the dugout stayed really positive. Kyle (Cameron) and Dylan (Duarte) did a great job out of the bullpen of holding the game where it was, and, obviously, Joe (Breaux) got a big hit, so it was a fun day for us."
The Crimson Tide entered the bottom of the ninth with the score even at 5-5. The frame began with freshman Sam Praytorreaching on a hit-by-pitch before being pulled for a pinch-runner in redshirt sophomore Connor Stutts. Alabama's next hitter, junior Keith Holcombe, beat out a bunt to put pressure on and place two aboard for the Tide.
Two batters later, Breaux came up to bat with the runners still on first and second with two outs. Down 1-2 in the count, Breaux knocked a single through the right side, allowing Stutts to score from second and giving the Crimson Tide the walkoff win.
Valparaiso built an early 5-1 lead, chasing Crimson Tide starter Jake Walters after 5.0 innings. The senior allowed five earned on nine hits with a walk and two strikeouts before handing the ball over to his bullpen. The duo of sophomore Kyle Cameronand junior Dylan Duarte shut down the Valpo offense over the final four frames, holding the Crusaders scoreless and giving Alabama a chance to complete the comeback. Duarte (1-0) earned his first victory of the season with 1.1 frames of hitless work that included a strikeout.
The Crusaders struck early with one run in the first. After starting the day with a leadoff single, an RBI-double to right field one batter later gave the Crusaders a 1-0 lead heading to the home half.
Alabama bounced back to even the score with a run of its own in the bottom of the first. Junior Gene Wood and Breaux drew back-to-back one-out walks before a hit-by-pitch to senior Hunter Alexander loaded the bases. Senior Cody Henry brought in the tying run with a walk of his own, this time with two outs, to even things up after one full.
In the next inning, the Crusaders brought in two to take a 3-1 lead. With two outs, a single followed by a walk placed runners on first and second. After a wild pitch moved both runners up, VU took the advantage right back with a two-RBI double. Valpo extended the lead with two more runs in the fourth. The Crusaders used a leadoff single followed by a sacrifice bunt to place a runner in scoring position. Back-to-back singles with two down would follow, making it 5-1.
Alabama narrowed the gap, scoring one in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a solo home run from junior Matt Malkin that trimmed the VU lead to 5-2. The Tide continued to climb back in it, striking for two in the sixth. Sophomore outfielder Walker McCleney led off the inning with a walk before junior infielder Cobie Vance cleared the bases with his first home run of the season, to put the Tide within one at 5-4 after six.
The Tide made it a 5-5 game in the eighth, battling for the game-tying run. Vance led things off with a walk before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt. After Breaux reached on a hit-by-pitch, senior Chandler Avant drew a walk to load the bases. With nowhere to put him, Henry was hit by a pitch, allowing Vance to score, tying the game at five apiece heading into the ninth, where the Tide would win in walkoff fashion.
Alabama will go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Crimson Tide will call on junior righty Sam Gardner in series finale while the Crusaders will look to senior right-hander Wes Gordon to avoid the sweep. Fans can catch all of the action on SEC Network+ with a 1 p.m. CT first pitch.
Walkoff Single from Breaux Completes the Comeback in Baseball’s 6-5 Victory over Valparaiso - Alabama Athletics
"Will be" versus "could."
Based on three games it looks like the offense will be better this season than last. However, at this point I don't see the pitching staff being on par with the leaders in the conference.
Never-the-less, these guys deserve a hat-tip. As mentioned earlier in the thread...this team was 0-27 last season when down in the seventh and eighth innings. They've come from behind twice this weekend in the same scenario.
Keith Holcombe finishes a double shy of hitting for the cycle in a perfect 4-for-4 effort
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama secured the weekend series sweep of Valparaiso with a 12-6 victory on Sunday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium to improve to 3-0 on the young season. The offense provided some late insurance after the Tide was forced to call on its bullpen early on the way to a win on getaway day.
"Today, for nine innings, we really focused and competed well," said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. "The other two days there were some periods of time where we were either trying to do too much or we lost focus. We put together nine innings of competitive at-bats. We've got some guys who can hit, I think we can be a good offensive group."
Junior Keith Holcombe paced the offense, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk, coming up a double short of the cycle on Sunday. Holcombe added a team-high three RBI and four runs scored – both of which are new career-high marks for the third-year player. Four other players finished with multi-hit games, including freshman catcher Sam Praytor, who went 3-for-5 with one RBI and a run scored on the afternoon. Eight of the nine Alabama starters finished with at least one hit in the contest, while all nine reached base safely.
The Crimson Tide bullpen dominated after an early exit from junior starter Sam Gardner, with the duo of sophomore Davis Vainerand freshman Brock Guffey working the final 5.1 innings and allowing only two hits while striking out seven. Making an early appearance, Vainer (1-0) tossed a career-high tying 3.2 frames, allowing two hits with one walk and adding four strikeouts to earn his first career win. Guffey followed with 1.2 innings of no-hit baseball, finishing the game with three of his five out coming by way of the strikeout for the save.
"One of the stories the last few days for me, is the bullpen," Bohannon added. "Davis (Vainer) and Brock (Guffey) today, along with Kyle (Cameron) and Dylan (Duarte) yesterday, were outstanding. Pitching out of the bullpen is hard, and all four of those guys came in and pounded the strike zone with multiple pitches. If we can pitch out of the bullpen like that consistently, we can put ourselves in a position to be very successful."
Alabama struck first in the series finale, putting up a four-spot in the first to gain an early advantage. Senior Chandler Avantstarted the rally, reaching on a fielder's choice and advancing to second on a throwing error to put himself in scoring position with one down. In the next at-bat, Joe Breaux, a junior, cashed in on the opportunity with a double to score Avant, crossing the Tide's first run of the day.
Senior Hunter Alexander followed with a single to left to bring in Breaux for the inning's second run. After advancing to second on a groundout, Alexander would score thanks to a triple from Holcombe. Praytor continued the inning's hot hitting, sending a single through the left side to score Holcombe and set the tally at 4-0 after one inning of play.
Valparaiso responded in the next half inning, plating five to move in front, 5-4. The Crusaders led off the frame with a solo home run for their first run of the day. Three straight singles and a walk would bring in one more, before a fielder's choice crossed the inning's third run. A stolen base and then a single two outs later crossed a pair, including the tying and go-ahead runs for Valpo.
The Tide would answer in the home half of the second, using a pair of two-out double to tie the game. Avant collected the first two-bagger of the inning, putting one off the wall in left. Breaux then found a gap in left-center to bring in the Tide's second baseman, setting the score at 5-5 after two innings of play.
Alabama came back to regain the lead in the bottom of the third with three runs on four hits to make it an 8-5 contest. A pair of singles to start the frame from sophomore John Trousdale and Holcombe put two aboard before a fielder's choice notched the inning's first out. A Jett Manning single put the junior at first and loaded the bases for the Tide before a double to right-center from sophomore Walker McCleney brought in two runs for UA. A wild pitch in the next at-bat brought in one more run for Alabama to push the advantage to three runs through three innings of action.
Valpo narrowed the gap in the fourth with a two-out triple before a single in the next at-bat crossed one, making it an 8-6 game. The Tide would allow Valpo to get no closer, adding one run in the sixth and three in the eighth to add insurance while the bullpen held the Crusaders off the board to secure the victory.
With one down in the sixth, Holcombe sent a solo shot to right field, notching his first career home run to move the Tide's lead to 9-6 after six full. Alexander began the scoring sequence in the eighth, reaching on a leadoff walk, before scoring on a double from Trousdale. In the next at-bat, Holcombe collected his fourth hit of the day, sending a single through the right side to score Trousdale and make it an 11-6 game. After a pair of hit-by-pitches loaded the bases, Avant drew a bases-loaded walk to score one more and set the tally at 12-6, the eventual final.
Alabama will return to the diamond on Tuesday afternoon as Middle Tennessee comes to town for a single midweek contest at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Tide will look to redshirt freshman Garret Rukes, a left-hander, in the start. First pitch of the matchup between the Crimson Tide and Blue Raiders is set for 3 p.m. CT with the game airing live on SEC Network+.
Baseball Completes the Sweep of Valparaiso with 12-6 Victory on Sunday - Alabama Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama secured the weekend series sweep of Valparaiso with a 12-6 victory on Sunday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium to improve to 3-0 on the young season. The offense provided some late insurance after the Tide was forced to call on its bullpen early on the way to a win on getaway day.
"Today, for nine innings, we really focused and competed well," said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. "The other two days there were some periods of time where we were either trying to do too much or we lost focus. We put together nine innings of competitive at-bats. We've got some guys who can hit, I think we can be a good offensive group."
Junior Keith Holcombe paced the offense, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk, coming up a double short of the cycle on Sunday. Holcombe added a team-high three RBI and four runs scored – both of which are new career-high marks for the third-year player. Four other players finished with multi-hit games, including freshman catcher Sam Praytor, who went 3-for-5 with one RBI and a run scored on the afternoon. Eight of the nine Alabama starters finished with at least one hit in the contest, while all nine reached base safely.
The Crimson Tide bullpen dominated after an early exit from junior starter Sam Gardner, with the duo of sophomore Davis Vainerand freshman Brock Guffey working the final 5.1 innings and allowing only two hits while striking out seven. Making an early appearance, Vainer (1-0) tossed a career-high tying 3.2 frames, allowing two hits with one walk and adding four strikeouts to earn his first career win. Guffey followed with 1.2 innings of no-hit baseball, finishing the game with three of his five out coming by way of the strikeout for the save.
"One of the stories the last few days for me, is the bullpen," Bohannon added. "Davis (Vainer) and Brock (Guffey) today, along with Kyle (Cameron) and Dylan (Duarte) yesterday, were outstanding. Pitching out of the bullpen is hard, and all four of those guys came in and pounded the strike zone with multiple pitches. If we can pitch out of the bullpen like that consistently, we can put ourselves in a position to be very successful."
Alabama struck first in the series finale, putting up a four-spot in the first to gain an early advantage. Senior Chandler Avantstarted the rally, reaching on a fielder's choice and advancing to second on a throwing error to put himself in scoring position with one down. In the next at-bat, Joe Breaux, a junior, cashed in on the opportunity with a double to score Avant, crossing the Tide's first run of the day.
Senior Hunter Alexander followed with a single to left to bring in Breaux for the inning's second run. After advancing to second on a groundout, Alexander would score thanks to a triple from Holcombe. Praytor continued the inning's hot hitting, sending a single through the left side to score Holcombe and set the tally at 4-0 after one inning of play.
Valparaiso responded in the next half inning, plating five to move in front, 5-4. The Crusaders led off the frame with a solo home run for their first run of the day. Three straight singles and a walk would bring in one more, before a fielder's choice crossed the inning's third run. A stolen base and then a single two outs later crossed a pair, including the tying and go-ahead runs for Valpo.
The Tide would answer in the home half of the second, using a pair of two-out double to tie the game. Avant collected the first two-bagger of the inning, putting one off the wall in left. Breaux then found a gap in left-center to bring in the Tide's second baseman, setting the score at 5-5 after two innings of play.
Alabama came back to regain the lead in the bottom of the third with three runs on four hits to make it an 8-5 contest. A pair of singles to start the frame from sophomore John Trousdale and Holcombe put two aboard before a fielder's choice notched the inning's first out. A Jett Manning single put the junior at first and loaded the bases for the Tide before a double to right-center from sophomore Walker McCleney brought in two runs for UA. A wild pitch in the next at-bat brought in one more run for Alabama to push the advantage to three runs through three innings of action.
Valpo narrowed the gap in the fourth with a two-out triple before a single in the next at-bat crossed one, making it an 8-6 game. The Tide would allow Valpo to get no closer, adding one run in the sixth and three in the eighth to add insurance while the bullpen held the Crusaders off the board to secure the victory.
With one down in the sixth, Holcombe sent a solo shot to right field, notching his first career home run to move the Tide's lead to 9-6 after six full. Alexander began the scoring sequence in the eighth, reaching on a leadoff walk, before scoring on a double from Trousdale. In the next at-bat, Holcombe collected his fourth hit of the day, sending a single through the right side to score Trousdale and make it an 11-6 game. After a pair of hit-by-pitches loaded the bases, Avant drew a bases-loaded walk to score one more and set the tally at 12-6, the eventual final.
Alabama will return to the diamond on Tuesday afternoon as Middle Tennessee comes to town for a single midweek contest at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Tide will look to redshirt freshman Garret Rukes, a left-hander, in the start. First pitch of the matchup between the Crimson Tide and Blue Raiders is set for 3 p.m. CT with the game airing live on SEC Network+.
Baseball Completes the Sweep of Valparaiso with 12-6 Victory on Sunday - Alabama Athletics
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