By: Jake Reichert
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In what felt like a must win game for both ball clubs in Saturday night’s rubber match, Mississippi State outlasted the Crimson Tide. Both teams got out to a hot start, but it was the five runs late in the game that gave the Bulldogs an advantage.
After a rough loss for the Bulldogs on Friday night, they managed to bounce back with a 8-4 victory to claim the series win against the Crimson Tide.
The excitement began early with both teams scoring two runs in the first inning. Mississippi State’s Hunter Hines produced a no-doubt home run to give the Bulldogs a two run lead. Alabama responded in the bottom half of the inning getting two runs off of an error and a fielder’s choice.
The Crimson Tide was able to gain their first lead of the night in the 5th inning from a towering two-run shot from Drew Williamson. Alabama was able to jump out to their 5-4 lead, but Mississippi State answered quickly.
The Bulldogs scored five runs in the last three innings to wind up securing the series victory on the road. With two runs in both the seventh and eighth and then an insurance run in the ninth, the Crimson Tide had no answers.
Coach Brad Bohannon talked a little about Saturday night’s loss.
“We weren’t good enough in the bullpen tonight. I thought Grayson gave us a good start and we did some good things offensively,” said Bohannon.
Starting pitcher Grayson Hitt delivered a good start for the Crimson Tide. He recorded his highest strikeouts in one game with nine. The bullpen wasn’t able to finish what Hitt started on the mound.
Brad Bohannon spoke about the team’s struggles in recent games.
“We are just having a hard time closing games out,” Bohannon said.
Up Next
Alabama looks to bounce back quickly with a midweek win on Tuesday against a tough Southern Mississippi team. They stay at home for next weekend’s series. Coming to town is the Crimson Tide’s biggest rival, the Auburn Tigers.
Alabama is sitting at an overall 23-10 record and a 4-8 SEC record. They still have 18 remaining league games ahead of them. The Crimson Tide look to finish their season strong in SEC play.
