Brady Neal’s Ninth-Inning Homer Lifts Alabama Past Jacksonville State

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – No.16 Alabama survived Jacksonville State in a chaotic 4-3 midweek win, with Brady Neal’s solo home run in the top of the ninth inning proving enough to give the Crimson Tide its eighth straight victory.

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It was a tightly contested, low-scoring matchup in which the Tide managed just five hits in 32 at-bats and stranded nine runners on base. John Lemm and Neal both homered, while Brennan Holt and Justin Lebron each recorded a stolen base. Reliever Luke Smyers led the pitching staff with three strikeouts, contributing to a total of seven strikeouts by seven different Alabama pitchers.

Alabama scored the game’s first runs in the top of the second inning when catcher John Lemm hit a two-run homer over the right-center field wall, driving in Jason Torres. It was the Australians' fourth home run of the season, giving the Tide a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second. Lemm finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Alabama extended its lead in the top of the fifth inning when left fielder Justin Osterhouse hit an RBI double, bringing home Lemm, who had walked earlier in the inning. This gave the Crimson Tide a three-run advantage heading into the bottom of the fifth.

Jacksonville State responded in the bottom of the fifth with its first run of the game, as designated hitter Sam Richardson hit a solo home run to cut the Tide’s lead to two heading into the sixth inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Gamecocks narrowed the deficit again with an RBI single to left field by catcher Grayson Ashe, driving in first baseman Matthew Cash for their second run. Alabama’s lead was cut to 3-2 going into the eighth inning.

Jacksonville State tied the game in the bottom of the eighth after Alabama reliever Bobby Alcock allowed a single and issued two walks, loading the bases. Evan Steckmesser was called from the bullpen and recorded a strikeout, but then Grayson Ashe, who had singled in the previous inning, drew a walk to bring home Greg Lachance from third and even the score. Fortunately for Alabama, Steckmesser threw out Gamecocks’ shortstop Caleb Johnson at home as he attempted to steal, preventing Jacksonville State from taking the lead.

In the top of the ninth, the Tide reclaimed the lead with a solo home run from their right fielder, his fifth of the season and team-leading 32nd RBI. This gave Alabama a 4-3 advantage heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Steckmesser retired all three batters in the bottom of the ninth, earning his first win of the season. The left-hander pitched the final two innings, recording two strikeouts and not allowing a hit in Alabama’s victory.

Alabama improves to 23-7 on the season as they pick up the midweek series sweep over the Gamecocks. The Crimson Tide will be back in action Thursday, traveling to Norman to face the Oklahoma Sooners. The Tide will look to win its third consecutive SEC series since 2023. Game one is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT.

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