By: Joe Schatz
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.-The Crimson Tide defeated Xavier by a score of 9-4 to complete the weekend series sweep of the Musketeers.
A four-run third inning sparked the offense, which ended Xavier’s George Eisenhardt’s (0-1) start early. The pitcher went 2 1/3 innings, letting up four earned runs off five hits with four walks and four strikeouts, throwing 70 pitches.
The inning was started by a Zane Denton walk, followed by a William Hamiter double, and an Owen Diodati single brought in Denton to make the score 2-0. A Jim Jarvis sacrifice fly scored Hamiter, and Tommy Seidl singled to score Diodati. The final run of the inning was on a Bryce Eblin single, off reliever Johnathan Kelly (0-0) to make it 5-0.
“After the four-spot in the third, I thought we maintained out focus,” said Manager Brad Bohannon.
After the big inning, Alabama was able to score in three of the next five innings to propel the Crimson Tide to a win despite a couple of rallies by Xavier.
Tommy Seidl played a big part in Alabama’s offense, going 3-4 with a double and two RBIs after not playing in yesterday’s game.
“I was just ready to go and do the job for my teammates…that’s everybody’s approach, do you job and have fun,” said Seidl.
Alabama started left-hander Grayson Hitt (1-0), who pitched four solid innings, letting up no runs off three hits, with six strikeouts on 64 pitches. Freshman Luke Holman came in for relief for the Tide, his first appearance of his collegiate career. The right-handed Holman pitched three innings, allowed three runs off six hits with two strikeouts.
“I was really glad to get him out there, he’s got a great future here…these were good experiences, you don’t want it to be easy for him,” said Bohannon
With the win, Alabama moves to 3-0 on the season, with the next game being against Jacksonville State on Tuesday at 3 pm, in Tuscaloosa.
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