By: L. Clay Pruitt

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Crimson Tide explodes on offense, scoring 14 runs in only seven innings to beat The Richmond Spiders in game three.

Jacob McNairy started Sunday’s game off for The Tide. After giving up a single to Christian Beal, McNairy struck out Alden Mathes. In the same play, Beal was caught stealing second.

Alabama’s first hit of the game came in the bottom of the first from Colby Shelton. Shelton hit a single to third. Bama left Shelton stranded at first.

Stranding the runners would not be the case in bottom of the second. Drew Williamson led off the home half of the second when he gave a student in right field a souvenir. This would be the only score of the inning which gave The Tide the lead 1-0.

Richmond responded with a run of their own in the top of the third. After Christian Beal hit another single, Alden Mathes slammed a single to center which scored Mikey Kluksa. This tied the game at one all.

Andrew Pinckney started the home half of the third with a double down the third base line. Dominic Tamez followed his teammate up with a double of his own down the third base line, which allowed Pinckney to score. This gave The Tide the lead 2-1 but would not be the only score of the third. With the bases loaded, William Hamiter “Hammy” was hit by the pitch. This allowed Tamez to score which gave Hamiter a RBI. Once again, with the bases loaded, Bryce Eblin singled to right field. This hit brought in two for Bama, Caden Rose and Williamson. Lastly, Mac Guscette hit a SAC bunt, so Hamiter was able to score, which gave Guscette a RBI. This increased the Tide’s lead 6-1.

Top of the fourth, Alabama showed off some of their defensive skills as Jim Jarvis started off a double play to Eblin and then finished with Williamson to end the inning.

Brock Blatter replaced McNairy in the top of the fifth. McNairy gave Bama four innings of work with six hits, three strikeouts, no walks, and only one run given up.

Shelton gave The Tide another run on a SAC fly to center field. This scored Hamiter. Tamez later singled to right field which scored Guscette. This was Tamez’s second RBI of the game and gave Alabama a 9-1 lead.

The bottom of the sixth was another big inning for Alabama. Jarvis reached first on an error which also allowed Will Hodo to score. This was Jarvis’ only RBI of the game. Later, Ed Johnson was hit by a pitch which scored Hamiter and gave Johnson a RBI. With the bases loaded, Williams was walked which scored Jaxon West. Camden Hayslip scored The Tide’s last runs of the game as he shot a ball to left center which scored Johnson and Jarvis. The Tide ended the inning with the lead 14-1.

The Crimson Tide started off the top of the seventh inning with a pitching change. Zane Probst came in to replace Brock Blatter. Probst struck out the first batter he faced, walked the second, struck out the third, and ended the seventh with a strike out. Both coaches decided to enact the run rule and end the game after the top of the seventh.

McNairy was credited with the win. Pinckney led The Tide with three hits on four at bats. Tamez, Hayslip, and Eblin all ended the day with two RBIs and at least one hit.

“We did a really good job on both sides of the ball. A lot of hard contact, I am really pleased,” Said Coach Brad Bohannon.

“We truly believe we are the best two catchers in the country,” said Tamez

Alabama improved to three wins and zero losses on the season after a 14-1 victory over The Spiders. The Crimson Tide’s next matchup is scheduled for Tuesday the 21st at Sewell-Thomas Stadium at 3 p.m. CT.

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