Alabama’s Freshman Left Fielder Shines in First Start

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In Alabama's 10-6 victory over No. 23 Southern Mississippi on Tuesday, freshman outfielder Peyton Steele played an outstanding game in his first start for the Tide.

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Steele, who batted eighth, went 2-4 with a single and a massive solo homerun over left field in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Tide a 9-6 lead and give the freshman the first home run of his college career.

The freshman had a strong day at the plate and in left field, where he made several plays. Steele took over for Alabama's team captain, Kade Snell, in left field. As usual, the Tide's captain remained in the third spot of the batting order, but today Snell served as the team's Designated Hitter.

Snell returned to Alabama's series last weekend against Auburn for his first game since March 30, in the Crimson Tide's 8-6 rubber match win over Oklahoma, when Snell and center fielder Richie Bonmolo Jr. collided while chasing a pop fly, causing the Tide's team captain to receive stitches in his left hand after being spiked as a result of the collision.

Despite Snell playing left field for the Auburn series, which the Tide lost last weekend two games to one, Alabama's head coach Rob Vaughn wanted to let the Senior outfielder heal up. In his post-game press conference, Vaughn said "Kade had that collision the other day and he's back, but we're still trying to get him back to really full strength." the head coach went on to speak highly of the freshman's attitude and what he means to the future of this program with Vaughn stating that "Peyton has just been working his tail off, and he has showed up every day, his attitude is awesome every day." Vaughn added, "We look at him as a huge piece of our future."

Steele's impressive performance Tuesday night was no surprise to any of his coaches or teammates, with Crimson Tide backup catcher Brady Neal talking about how impressive he's been at practice, stating "Come out on a Wednesday and you watch the live ABs (At Bats) and you're like, that guy should be hitting on the weekends." Neal added, "I've seen it a couple times over the past couple of years, like a young freshman, you know, working hard when no one's watching."

Steele has played in four games for the Crimson Tide this season, posting an outstanding .500 batting average and going 4-8 at the plate with two singles, one double, and one home run, as well as three RBIs and two runs. Alabama's freshman left fielder made his first appearance for the Tide in a 19-3 game two victory over Bradley on February 15. Steele subbed in as a pinch hitter and recorded an RBI single in his first college at bat.

Alabama will host Mississippi State this weekend for a three-game series, and don't be surprised if Steele makes an appearance in the Tide's batting order or even out in left field for Snell until he is fully recovered. Only time will tell, but his impressive debut in the starting lineup certainly increases his chances of getting more playing time.

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