By: Garrett Franks
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama takes game one of a three-game series versus the Spiders of Richmond.
Richmond got on the board first. With two outs in the second inning, a wild throw from third to first brought home Zach Lass from second base.
The errand throw came from True-Freshman Colby Shelton.
Alabama quickly responded with some hits of their own. with runners at second and first, Mac Guscette ripped one to right field which brought home Tommy Seidl. After tying the game up, Jim Jarvis snagged a single which brought Eblin home, taking their first lead of the day heading into the third inning.
The bottom of the third also treated the Tide well. With runners at first and second, Drew Williamson ripped a ball past the second basemen to bring home Pinckney from third. later in the third, Seidl lined out to center field which brought home Dominic Tamez.
The bleeding didn’t stop in the third, as Guscette drilled one deep left-center that left the friendly confines of Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Guscette brought in three runs as the result of his home run. It bolstered the TIde’s lead heading into the fourth inning 7-1.
“He set the bar pretty high for himself, Mac is a really good player,” said Alabama Head Coach Brad Bohannon. “He’s outstanding defensive catcher, really receives the box well and has a good arm.”
The spiders made a pitching change in the bottom of the fourth to stop the strong Alabama offense. Vince Corso replaced righty Brock Weirather.
While the bats were hot for the Tide, Pitcher Grayson Hitt dominated on the mound. He was pulled before the sixth inning but only allowed one hit and one run. He struck-out a commanding eight batters through five.
Corso quickly worked himself into fully loaded bases. Seidl brought home Shelton on a SAC groundout to extend the Tide’s lead to 8-1. With runners at second and third, Caden Rose ripped one center left to bring home two runs, widening the gap between the Tide and Spiders 10-1.
Pinckney continued the fun for the tide, as his single down the left field line brought in Guscette. The run gave Alabama a 10 run lead.
Mikey Kluska of Richmond cut the deficit ever so slightly, as he homered in the top of the seventh.
Bama responded quickly off the bat of pinch hitter Will Hamiter, as a triple brought Will Portera home.”I
thought our approach offensively was outstanding,” said Bohannon.” especially since the guy throw consistently off-speed.”
Alabama cruised onto a 12-3 victory against the Spiders. Alabama looks to take the series tomorrow, first pitch is at 2 p.m. CT.
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