Tide Takes Down Razorbacks, Remains Undefeated in Tournament Play
The 11-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide pulled its second upset of the week, defeating the three-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks, 4-3, on Wednesday afternoon at the Hoover Met in Hoover, Ala.
Right-handed pitcher Jacob McNairy took the mound for the Crimson Tide, his second appearance versus the Razorbacks in the past week.
The Crimson Tide got on the board first in the top of the second inning after two walks by catcher Dominic Tamez and shortstop Jim Jarvis, a base hit by third baseman Zane Denton, and a fielder's choice leaves left fielder Tommy Seidl safe at first base, bringing in two runs for the crimson and white.
"Unfortunately, you know, Arkansas helped us a little bit early, you know, to our guys credit. We took advantage of some of the mistakes that they made," said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. "I was really proud of our whole team, but especially those guys that pitch after Jake McNairy. It was a good start today so obviously a big one for us on so many levels."
The run support continued to come for the Tide in the third inning as first baseman Zane Denton fouled out into third base territory, deep enough to bring in a run from third base, extending the Tide's lead.
The Razorbacks picked up a run in the bottom of the third inning from a solo home run by shortstop Jalen Battles.
However, the Razorbacks gave that run back to the Tide in the top of the fourth inning after the catcher attempted to throw out Seidl at third base but missed the mark, bringing home the fourth run for Alabama.
McNairy finished the game after 4.1 innings pitched, three hits, one earned run, one walk, and three strikeouts. LHP Jake Leger came into the game for relief.
The Hogs get back into the game after a two-run blast by right fielder Chris Lanzilli, cutting the Tide's lead to a single run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Alabama had to use two relief pitchers to get out of the seventh inning. Right-handed pitcher Landon Green, who only had eight pitches before exiting, and left-handed pitcher Antoine Jean, however, finished the seventh inning with no damage.
The Tide bats got ice cold down the stretch but thankfully for Alabama, Jean, and closer Dylan Ray finished the game out flawlessly and Alabama won 4-3.
"So you know, again, like SEC is, you just don't get this league until you're in it like how good everybody is and the margin for error is really slim," said Bohannon.
Due to the many weather delays thus far this week, the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will have an off-day Thursday afternoon and resume tournament play on Friday. The opponent and time are TBD. All Alabama Crimson Tide baseball games will be streamed on Tide 100.9, and the Tide 100.9 app, which is free to download in the App Store.