Alabama claimed a game one victory to open their series against the Missouri Tigers on Friday night. The long ball and a heavy wind blowing out to right field played a factor in the Tide’s 6-4 win.
Both starters – Alabama’s Luke Holman and Missouri’s Chandler Murphy – had themselves a duel through the first five innings. Both gave up a run in the first inning but found their groove shortly after.
The offenses for both squads were unable to produce any runs and a minimal amount of hits until the fifth inning.
Missouri was able to find their first lead of the game from just the right amount of small ball. Cam Chick scored from an infield error and Wilmsmeyer was brought in shortly after from a RBI single from Trevor Austin.
After taking a 3-1 lead, all momentum was in the Tigers’ favor. But the Crimson Tide lineup changed that in a hurry.
The top of the 6th inning was owned by the long ball. The inning began with back-to-back solo home runs from Dom Tamez and Andrew Pinckney tying the game up at three. Tamez was a highlight of Alabama’s lineup in the opener, going 4-5 at the plate.
Just three batters later, true freshman Jackson West blasted his first career home run, bringing in two runs to give Alabama a 5-3 lead.
The Tide’s home runs didn’t go unanswered however, as Missouri’s Dylan Leach chipped the lead down to one in the bottom half of the sixth with a no doubt solo shot.
Alabama’s bullpen had been the achilles heel to the ball club in recent games. But after an efficient start from Luke Holman, the bullpen only gave up a combined three hits, one earned run, and were able to close out the game.
Up Next
Alabama and Missouri will meet again Saturday and Sunday to complete their three game weekend series. Both teams are seeking a clutch series win to keep improving their SEC record as the season’s end rapidly approaches.
Alabama improves to 27-12 (7-9 in SEC play) and Missouri drops to 23-14 (6-10 in SEC play) on the season.
Follow Jake Reichert on Twitter @JakeReichert3.
