No. 16 Alabama used some late-night magic to win their regional opener over Nicholls 4-3 in Tuscaloosa.
The Colonels led throughout the game, opening up the scoring with a solo home run in the second from MaCrae Kenrick off Alabama starter Luke Holman. The 1-0 lead was carried over until the fifth inning, where a triple from Colby Shelton and a sacrifice fly from Ed Johnson tied things up for Alabama.
Nicholls State immediately struck back in the top of the sixth, with a sac fly of their own to put them on top 2-1. Alabama responded with a Drew Williamson RBI double that scored Caden Rose to tie it up at two.
The Colonels kept coming back however, as a Wes Toups home run gave them the lead in the top of the seventh off reliever Kade Woods. Mac Guscette answered with a solo home run of his own in the bottom of the frame, and it remained 3-3 until the ninth.
William Hamiter led off the ninth with a walk, followed by a bunt from Guscette to move him over to second. After a Caden Rose strikeout, it was all up to the veteran shortstop Jim Jarvis to deliver. A ground ball through the left side of the infield and an inaccurate throw meant that Hamiter scored with ease and The Crimson Tide were able to celebrate.
Alabama was led by their pitching staff, with starter Luke Holman giving them six innings of two-run ball followed by a good day from the bullpen. Woods did give up the homerun, but proceeded to only give up one more hit in is 1.2 innings of work, turning the ball over to Alton Davis II for the final 1.1 innings of work. Davis had just one walk on his line, and two strikeouts to earn his first win of the year.
Up Next
With the win, Alabama will play host to in-state Troy tomorrow night in Tuscaloosa for a spot in the regional finals on the line. For Alabama, it was a great way to start their first home regional in 17 years, and the red hot Crimson Tide have a great chance to make it out of their group.
