Alabama Outslugs Tennessee 12-8 in Wild Game One

KNOXVILLE, TENN — No. 13 Alabama defeated Tennessee 12-8 in game one, a high-scoring shootout where both offenses excelled. The key difference proved to be the Volunteers' bullpen, which struggled mightily, issuing ten walks and hitting six batters in Thursday’s series opener.

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Alabama’s offense was instrumental in the win, aided by head coach Rob Vaughn’s decision to alter the lineup for game one. The Crimson Tide had previously struck out 58 times in their last four games, including three double-digit strikeout performances. However, this game was different: Alabama recorded double-digit hits and runs while striking out only five times. Three players had at least three RBIs; left fielder Peyton Steele and Bryce Fowler each drove in three runs, while Eric Hines led the team with four RBIs.

The game began with an action-packed first inning as both teams got on the scoreboard. The Crimson Tide struck first with an RBI double to right-center field by Fowler, batting fourth in the order for the first time this season. Fowler’s double drove home Justin Lebron, who was leading off in Fowler’s usual spot, giving Alabama a 1-0 advantage heading into the bottom of the first.

In the bottom of the first, the Volunteers responded quickly. Garret Wright led off with a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1. Tennessee then took the lead on an RBI single from second baseman Blake Grimmer, driving in third baseman Henry Ford, making it 2-1 heading into the second inning.

In the top of the second, Alabama answered with impressive baserunning by Lebron. He singled to the Volunteers' shortstop, stole third base, and then scored on a balk by Tennessee’s starter, Landon Mack, tying the game going into the bottom of the second.

Tennessee quickly reclaimed the lead as Wright hit his second solo home run of the game, making it 3-2 in favor of the Volunteers entering the third inning.

Alabama responded immediately in the third inning, loading the bases with only one out. Outfielder Peyton Steele then ripped a double to deep center field, driving in three runs. Steele was thrown out trying for a triple, but not before giving the Crimson Tide a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the third.

In the top of the fourth, the Crimson Tide extended their lead when Fowler, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, drove in second baseman Brennan Holt with a double to right-center. This made it 6-3 Alabama heading into the bottom of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fourth, Tennessee trimmed the deficit when an error by Lebron allowed shortstop Manny Marin to score, making it 6-4 going into the fifth inning.

The top of the sixth saw Alabama’s freshman designated hitter Eric Hines step up with two outs and two runners on base. The ACA alumnus launched a three-run home run down the left field line, knocking the ball out of sight, giving the Tide a commanding 9-4 lead. It was the Tuscaloosa native’s fourth home run of the season.

Tennessee answered in the bottom of the sixth, as Ford hit a two-run home run over center field to cut Alabama’s lead to 9-6 entering the final three innings.

In the top of the seventh, Tennessee’s bullpen struggled, using three pitchers who combined for two walks and hit five batters. This allowed Steele, Lebron, and Holt to score, expanding Alabama’s lead to 12-6 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh, Tennessee scored two runs on a two-out single from Martin, making it 12-8 heading into the eighth inning.

Alabama closed out the game with Matthew Heiberger and Hagan Banks pitching the final two innings, holding the Volunteers scoreless and securing the 12-8 win. Starting pitcher Tyler Fay earned his seventh win of the season, improving to 7-3 after allowing four runs and six hits over five innings with six strikeouts.

With the win, the Crimson Tide improved to 29-14 overall and 10-9 in conference play. Alabama will look to clinch the series in game two, scheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. CT.

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