By: Joe Schatz
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– The Crimson Tide used a four-run second inning to get past Xavier and win the series against the Musketeers on Saturday.
After a first inning homerun by Xavier’s Jack Housinger, the Tide were able to rally in the second inning. The rally started with back-to-back singles from Caden Rose and Jim Jarvis to put two runners on with one out. A Drew Williamson single brought home Rose and a sac fly from Dom Tamez brought Jarvis home to put Alabama up 2-1. A Zane Denton double scored Williamson, which was followed by a William Hamiter single to score Denton to make it 4-1.
“The offense was noticeably better…there was a lot harder contact in our lineup. I feel good about our offensive club,” said Manager Brad Bohannon.
Alabama was able to get Xavier starter Bryce Barnett (0-1) out of the game in the second inning, as the Musketeers turned to Miles Halligan. The Xavier bullpen was solid again today, allowing only a single run after the second inning and striking out six.
Antoine Jean (0-0) got the start for Alabama today, as he struggled in his first start of the season. Jean allowed one run in two innings while walking four, striking out one, throwing 63 pitches. Hunter Furtado (1-0) pitched the next three innings, earning the win after allowing just one hit and striking out four.
Xavier’s offense was able to get to the Alabama bullpen after Furtado. Dylan Ray and Landon Green allowed three runs in three and two-thirds innings between the two. Brock Guffey came in with the bases loaded to collect the final out and his first save of the season.
“For me, coming into the game like that is about setting the standard for the next guys, I think about that a lot,” said Gruffy.
“Really glad to learn a lot of valuable lessons and still come out on top. Just inefficient on both sides of the ball…to come out with a win against a good team, we’ll take it,” said Bohannon.
With the win, Alabama improves to 2-0 on the young season as they look to sweep Xavier tomorrow at 1 pm in Tuscaloosa.
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