Alabama Baseball Advances Into Second Round By Defeating South Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide, competing in the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2016, faced a must-win situation today in Hoover, AL. The Crimson Tide rose to the challenge by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks by a score of 9-3 in the opening round of the SEC Tournament.

The Crimson Tide used an offensive explosion in the third inning to break the game open and seize control of the contest. Alabama scored six runs in the inning, taking advantage of four wild pitches, two walks and three hits, including a Jackson Tate three-run home run to give Alabama early momentum.

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Alabama was bolstered by strong pitching performances from Tyler Ras and Brock Guffey. The pair combined to hold the Gamecocks to just three runs on seven hits with two walks. Ras struck out four batters in his six innings of work and Guffey fanned one in his three innings of relief.

Ras' effort was particularly important for the Tide as the Alabama pitching staff is less than healthy. His ability to go deep into the game allowed the Tide to save other arms for later in the week.

Outside of Tate's three-run homerun, the Crimson Tide was aided at the plate by First Team All-SEC member Sam Praytor, Praytor recorded two RBIs on two sacrifice flies on the afternoon. Canadian Owen Diodati also tallied two RBIs on a double he hit in the third inning. Second Team All-SEC member Peyton Wilson was 3-for-5 at the plate with an RBI and also scored two runs.

The Crimson Tide now turns its attention to the double elimination portion of the SEC Tournament. The Tide will take on the second seeded Tennessee Vols tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Hoover, Al.