Alabama Clinches Third Consecutive Series With Saturday Win at No. 11 Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. – The Crimson Tide defeated the Sooners 3-2 in Norman on Saturday’s rubber match, holding on to an early three-run lead thanks to strong bullpen pitching. With this victory, Alabama secured its third consecutive SEC series win.

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Alabama struck first, capitalizing on an error-filled top of the first inning. Center fielder Bryce Fowler scored the opening run on a wild pitch. Justin Lebron then came home on a passed ball, and Neal scored the third run on a fielding error by the Sooners’ center fielder, Jason Walk, after Eric Hines hit to center field. The Tide led 3-0 heading into the bottom of the first.

Oklahoma responded in the bottom of the first inning with a run of their own. Catcher Brendan Brock delivered an RBI single to right field, driving home Trey Gambill from third and cutting the deficit to 3-1 going into the second inning.

Alabama’s game three starter was Myles Upchurch, who delivered a solid outing. The freshman right-hander pitched three innings, scattered three hits, allowed one run, walked five, and recorded two strikeouts. Ashton Crowther was the standout on the mound, entering from the bullpen at the top of the fourth inning. He pitched 3.2 innings, gave up four hits, allowed one run, struck out three, and walked one.

Oklahoma trimmed Alabama’s two-run lead in the bottom of the fifth when the Sooners loaded the bases and Kyle Brach hit an RBI single. However, Justin Lebron tagged out Deiten LaChance as he tried to advance to second base, ending the inning and limiting Oklahoma to just one run. The Sooners left runners in scoring position as Alabama led 3-2 going into the sixth.

Crowther’s day ended midway through the bottom of the seventh inning when Matthew Heiberger entered from the bullpen with two outs and no runners on base. Heiberger closed out the seventh with a strikeout, then pitched 1.1 innings without allowing a hit or a run, walking one and striking out two.

Hagan Banks relieved Heiberger in the bottom of the ninth and retired all three batters, securing the 3-2 win for Alabama.

The Sooners struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving 11 runners stranded on base in their game three loss. Alabama stranded seven runners, including two in the top of the ninth inning.

With the win, Alabama improves to 25-8 on the season and 8-4 in SEC play, marking its first three-game SEC series win streak since 2023. The Crimson Tide will be back in action next Tuesday, April 7, hosting the Samford Bulldogs with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

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