Alabama Hangs on to Defeat North Alabama 4-3

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama ended a two-game losing skid with a 4-3 win over North Alabama on Tuesday in a midweek matchup. The Crimson Tide came away victorious despite a lack of offense, thanks in large to their pitchers, who dominated with 14 strikeouts throughout the game, and a walk-off RBI single by the Crimson Tide's sophomore shortstop Justin Lebron in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Crimson Tide's victory also marked infielder Garret Staton's first time seeing action in over a month after undergoing finger surgery on February 20. Staton recorded one hit over three at-bats with a two-run double and a walk.

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The Crimson Tide started slow on offense, with the first runs not coming until the bottom of the fourth inning. In that inning, Rob Vaughn's squad brought two runners across home plate. Garret Staton, Alabama's second baseman, hit a double to right center field, driving home Kade Snell and Will Hodo, which gave the Tide a 2-0 lead going into the fifth inning.

Alabama was unable to extend their lead, which allowed North Alabama to tie the game at three runs in the top of the sixth inning. The Lions' junior left fielder, Nash Rippen, hit a 2-run home run over right center field. This was Rippen's only hit of the game, as the North Alabama left fielder finished the game batting 1-for-4 in Tuesday's loss.

The Crimson Tide regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning when Alabama's center fielder, Richie Bonomolo Jr., scored due to a throwing error by North Alabama's second baseman, Jonathan Lane. This mistake gave Alabama a one-run lead heading into the eighth inning.

North Alabama continued to fight, tying the game at three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning when Lane flew out to center field, allowing North Alabama's center fielder, Matthew Delgado, to score.

The Alabama pitching staff played a crucial role in the game. Aeden Finateri started on the mound for the Tide, recording three strikeouts in 2.0 innings pitched. The Crimson Tide showcased two standout pitchers: Coulson Buchanan, who struck out five batters over two innings, and Braylon Myers, who logged four strikeouts in 1.1 innings. Coach Vaughn utilized six pitchers during Alabama's victory, which collectively achieved 14 strikeouts and allowed only six hits throughout the game. Carson Ozmer pitched 1.2 innings, closing the game strong for the Tide by not allowing a hit or a run while recording one strikeout. This performance marked his second win of the season, improving Ozmer's record to 2-0.

Justin Lebron, Alabama's shortstop, once again demonstrated why he is a favorite for the Golden Spikes Award. The sophomore ended the game with a single down the left field line on a full count with two outs remaining, bringing Will Plattner home and securing a 4-3 victory for the Tide.

Stat Leaders in Tuesday's Win

Hits- Snell (2)

Runs- Bonomolo Jr, Hodo, Plattner, and Snell (1)

RBIs- Staton (2)

Strikeouts- Buchanan (5)

Alabama will improve to 23-3 on the season as the Tide prepare for a three-game weekend series against No. 9 Oklahoma this weekend, beginning with game one on Friday, March 28th at Sewell-Thomas Stadium at 6:00 p.m. CDT.

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