BamaCentral Instant Analysis: Alabama Baseball 11, Troy 8
The Alabama Crimson Tide opened the Tuscaloosa Regional on Friday winning a low scoring pitcher's dual against Nicholls.
The Saturday evening winner's bracket matchup against the Troy Trojans was the exact opposite experience as both the Tide and Trojans offenses were on full display.
Ultimately it was Alabama emerging victorious 11-8 and staying unbeaten in regional play.
Alabama jumped right on top of Troy with a Caden Rose 2-run home run in the second inning to give the Tide an early lead.
Trojans starting pitcher Logan Ross didn't last much longer, he was pulled by head coach Skylar Meade after facing just a single batter in the third inning. Trojans athletic staff reported that Ross was dealing with a blister on his hand that hampered his outing.
Ross completed just the two innings, allowing two runs off three hits and also giving up three walks.
Alabama's starting pitcher Garrett McMillan didn't fare much better. The Tuscaloosa native allowed a big five-run, third inning that allowed the Trojans to find its footing in the game.
Troy first baseman William Sullivan managed a 3-run home run to punctuate the inning and give the Trojans the lead.
The Tide answered the Trojans big third inning with a fourth inning offensive rally. Alabama scored four in the inning to retake the lead thanks to small ball and aggressive base-running.
McMillan responded with a shutout fourth inning but gave up a solo-shot to Kole Myers to open the fifth inning and see the game tied again
The former Hillcrest Patriot completed four innings, giving up six runs off six hits with two strikeouts and two walks.
Andrew Pinckney retook the lead in the eighth inning for Alabama with a moonshot over the scoreboard.
Alabama reliever Aidan Moza got himself in a jam in the sixth inning, allowing the Trojans to load the bases and threaten the Tide's one-run lead.
Left fielder Shane Lewis made the most of his at-bat, singling into right field and scoring Tremayne Cobb Jr.
Meyers, coming off hitting a solo homerun in his previous at-bat, got enough of a Moza pitch to score Donavan Whibbs on a sacrifice fly and give Troy the lead.
But alas, once again the Alabama offense found a way to respond.
In the top of the ninth inning, trailing by one run, the Crimson Tide sent nine men to the plate. Three men reached by walk, a Pinckney triple and Dominic Tamez single and brutal throwing error, that would have ended the game, later saw Alabama score four runs and take an 11-8 lead.
Alabama interim head coach Jason Jackson opted to turn to freshman Alton Davis for the second night in a row to close out the game.
The Hueytown Ala., native responded with a three-up, three-down inning. Striking out one and forcing a double-play to end the game and cement the Alabama victory.
The Crimson Tide continues in the Tuscaloosa Regional on Sunday at 8 p.m. CT and will take on the winner of Boston College vs Troy from earlier in the day.
See Also:
The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral: Episode 10, June 2, 2023
Jarvis’ Walk-Off Lifts Alabama Baseball Over Nicholls in Opener of Tuscaloosa Regional
Faith is the Foundation for Fouts, Prange as Alabama Softball Careers Conclude
