Takeaways from Alabama Baseball’s Fall Scrimmage Sweep of UAB

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama baseball wrapped up its fall exhibition schedule against UAB, earning a 6-1 win and an 8-7 victory in two seven-inning games at Sewell-Thomas Stadium Friday night. With the Crimson Tide continuing to evaluate its roster ahead of the 2027 season, several players made strong impressions. Here are three takeaways from Alabama’s fall scrimmage.

1. Returning Players Could Make a Major Impact

Coleman Mizell, Logan Davenport and Sam Christiansen, who all missed last season, could play significant roles in Alabama’s lineup in 2027.

Christiansen had the most productive night of the group, going 2-for-2 with two doubles and an RBI in the opening game. His fourth-inning double off the wall in center field tied the game at one before Alabama scored three more runs in the frame.

Davenport and Mizell did not record a hit, but both hit the ball hard throughout the night. Their return gives Alabama additional options as the coaching staff evaluates its lineup for the upcoming season.

Head coach Rob Vaughn emphasized the importance of getting experienced players back healthy after missing significant time.

“Getting Coleman Mizel back has been huge,” Vaughn said. “That guy's hit since he stepped on campus. The only thing that slowed him down is an injury. And so him back healthy is a weapon for us.”

Vaughn also praised Christiansen's ability at the plate, noting that the outfielder has already proven he can hit in the SEC.

With all three players working their way back into the mix, their health and production could be important factors in Alabama's offensive outlook for 2027.

2. Bubba Coleman Shows His Offensive Potential

Bubba Coleman delivered one of the night's biggest performances, driving in four runs during Alabama's 8-7 comeback victory in the second game.

After UAB built a 4-1 lead, Coleman launched a three-run home run in the third inning to tie the game at four. He added an RBI double in the fourth, helping the Crimson Tide take an 8-4 advantage.

Coleman's performance demonstrated his ability to deliver in key situations and provide power in the middle of the lineup.

Vaughn was impressed with the freshman's approach at the plate, particularly his ability to capitalize on mistakes.

“He can really, really hit, and he's always hit,” Vaughn said. “That guy's played more baseball than maybe any of these young freshmen coming in. I mean, he just loves playing.”

Coleman's offensive production during the fall scrimmage was an encouraging sign for Alabama as it continues preparing for the 2027 season. Vaughn also noted that Coleman has been working at multiple infield positions, including second base, third base and shortstop.

If Coleman continues to produce offensively while developing defensively, he could give Alabama another valuable option in its lineup.

3. Alabama's Freshmen Show They Can Compete

Alabama's young players experienced both the highs and challenges of fall competition against UAB, particularly in the second game.

Freshman Wyatt Williams started the opener and allowed one run over three innings, striking out three without issuing a walk. Freshman Jack Rostock started the second game, recording four strikeouts over two innings despite allowing four runs.

The Crimson Tide also received contributions from freshman Jaser Arms, who drove in a run with a groundout in the first game, and Tate Troxell, who recorded a scoreless seventh inning to close out the second game.

Vaughn said the fall exhibitions provide valuable opportunities for younger players to experience game situations and compete against outside competition.

“It's really tough at that,” Vaughn said of evaluating the young players. “You learn a lot from these games, to be honest with you.”

The second game provided a particularly valuable test. Rather than bringing experienced players back into the lineup after falling behind 4-1, Vaughn allowed the younger group to work through the deficit and respond.

“I loved the way they competed,” Vaughn said. “I loved going down 4-1. We weren't gonna bring any of those older guys back. It was like, hey, this is y'all's game, go do it.”

Alabama's freshmen will have more opportunities to develop before the 2027 season begins, but their performances against UAB offered an encouraging look at the talent available to the Crimson Tide.

Looking Ahead

Alabama's two victories over UAB provided a final opportunity to evaluate returning players, offensive production and the incoming freshman class during fall competition.

Christiansen's two doubles, Coleman's four-RBI performance and the contributions from several young players stood out. With returning players working back from injuries and freshmen competing for opportunities, Alabama has several pieces to evaluate before determining how its roster will take shape for the 2027 season.