Vanderbilt Eliminates Alabama From SEC Tournament
The Vanderbilt baseball team defeated Alabama 9-2 on Friday night, eliminating the Tide from the 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament.
Right-handed pitcher Jacob McNairy started on the mound for the Crimson Tide. He pitched 4.1 innings, recording nine hits, eight runs, seven earned runs, four walks, and six strikeouts.
Vanderbilt was hot from the get-go, scoring five runs in the first inning. The base traffic started with a five-pitch leadoff walk to center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. Then, consecutively, right fielder R.J. Schreck hits an RBI double, fist baseman Parker Noland hits an RBI groundout, and designated hitter Chris Maldonado hits an RBI single. Second baseman R.J. Austin capped the scoring off with a two-run home run.
The Crimson Tide got on the board in the third inning after third baseman Colby Shelton hit a two-run home run.
The Commodores extended their lead in the fifth inning. The first two runs came from a two-RBI double by left fielder Matthew Polk and the third came from a fielding error on catcher Alan Espinal's single.
Right-handed pitcher Zane Probst came in for relief in the fifth inning. He pitched 0.2 innings and was pulled after recording three straight walks.
Right-handed pitcher Braylon Myers came in for relief of Probst. He pitched 3.1 innings, recording one hit, one run, one earned run, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Vanderbilt tacked on one more run in the ninth inning from a solo home run by Maldonado to seal the 9-2 win.
Right-handed pitcher Hunter Hoopes came in to finish the game. He recorded the final two outs of the game without allowing a hit or walk.
The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will compete in the 2023 NCAA Regionals next weekend, however have to wait until Selection Monday to determine its opponent and location.
Tide 100.9 is partnering with Academy Sports and Outdoors to bring you on-site coverage of the 2023 Southeastern Conference baseball tournament. Continue to follow along for our coverage throughout Alabama's run in Hoover.