Alabama Clinches Series at South Carolina Despite Star Shortstop Justin Lebron’s Absence

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Alabama clinched its second consecutive SEC series win by defeating South Carolina 9-6 in game two. The Crimson Tide hit three home runs, with three different batters each recording at least two RBIs.

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Alabama was without star shortstop Justin Lebron after he suffered an apparent head injury in a collision with South Carolina’s first baseman Will Craddock during Alabama’s 5-1 win in game one. Sophomore Jojo Williamson filled in at shortstop and delivered a terrific performance, highlighted by a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning.

The Crimson Tide struck first when designated hitter John Lemm drove in Bryce Fowler on a fielder’s choice, giving Alabama a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the first.

South Carolina responded in the bottom of the second when catcher Jake Randolph hit a three-run home run over left-center field, giving the Gamecocks a two-run lead. Shortly after, shortstop KJ Scobey added an RBI triple to put South Carolina up 4-1 heading into the third.

Alabama hit home runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Williamson, filling in for Lebron, tied the game with a three-run shot in the fourth. In the fifth, Lemm delivered another three-run homer to give the Tide a three-run lead. Then, in the sixth, team captain Will Plattner added a two-run home run over left field, extending Alabama’s lead to 9-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, South Carolina’s second baseman Patrick Evans hit a solo home run, cutting Alabama’s lead to four runs entering the final three innings.

South Carolina attempted a ninth-inning rally, but managed only one run on a sacrifice fly from Scobey, his second RBI of the game. Alabama held on for a 9-6 victory, clinching the series.

Alabama’s starting pitcher, Zane Adams, had a rocky start but rebounded to pitch three scoreless innings after allowing four runs in the second. Adams finished with six hits, five runs, one walk, and nine strikeouts, earning his sixth win to improve to 6-3. Out of the bullpen, Matthew Heiberger pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out one. Hagan Banks added one inning, giving up one hit, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.

With the win, the Crimson Tide improves to 34-17 overall and 14-11 in SEC play. Alabama secures its second straight SEC series win and will look for a second consecutive SEC series sweep tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. CT, following last weekend’s sweep of Vanderbilt.

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