Crimson Tide Make History With First-Ever Series Sweep at South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Alabama made history by outlasting South Carolina 7-6 in game three, earning its first-ever series sweep in Columbia. The Crimson Tide secured its fifth SEC series win and fourth sweep of the season.

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As in game two, Alabama was missing star shortstop Justin Lebron, who exited Friday’s series opener after a collision at first base resulted in an apparent head injury. The Tide were also without starting catcher Brady Neal, the team’s second-leading RBI producer behind Jason Torres (43 RBIs). Neal, also in concussion protocol, left after taking a foul ball off his helmet. According to head coach Rob Vaughn, both Lebron and Neal remain sidelined under concussion protocol.

The Crimson Tide struck early. Catcher John Lemm doubled to left-center to drive in Eric Hines and Bryce Fowler in the top of the first. Brennan Holt then brought Lemm home on a sacrifice fly, spotting Alabama a 3-0 lead after the opening frame.

The score stayed 3-0 until the top of the fifth, when Alabama plated two more. Jason Torres delivered his 43rd RBI of the season with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Peyton Steele. Shortly after, Brennan Holt drove in Hines from third for his second RBI, extending the lead to 5-0.

South Carolina threatened in the bottom of the fifth by loading the bases with no outs, but Alabama starter Myles Upchurch calmly retired the next three batters, two by strikeout, to escape unscathed. Upchurch scattered six hits and three walks with five strikeouts, allowing just one run over five innings to earn his seventh win and improve to 7-3.

In the sixth, the Tide tacked on two more runs. A fielding error by South Carolina’s first baseman allowed Fowler to reach safely and Jojo Williamson to score, pushing the lead to 6-0. Eric Hines then drove in Peyton Steele from third to make it 7-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth.

South Carolina broke through in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single from Ethan Lizama, making it 7-1 heading into the seventh.

South Carolina rallied in the bottom of the eighth, scoring four runs. A throwing error by Holt at second allowed Tyler Bak to score, followed by a sacrifice fly from Luke Yuhasz that plated another run. Shortstop KJ Scobey capped the rally with a two-run homer to left, trimming Alabama’s lead to 7-5 heading into the ninth.

Alabama closer Hagan Banks entered in the ninth to relieve Ashton Crowther, who had surrendered four runs in the previous inning. Banks gave up a run and a hit before Matthew Heiberger took over, retiring the first two batters he faced to secure his third save of the year.

With the win, Alabama improves to 35-17 overall and 16-11 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide closes the regular season with a series against Ole Miss, beginning Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. CT.

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