Alabama were swept on Sunday to fall to 2-4 in conference play, losing 10-5 to Georgia after struggling with runners in scoring position – leaving 15 runners on base.
The story of the game was Alabama’s inability to get the big hit with runners on. The Tide scored one in the second on a Will Hodo double but stranded a runner on third with one out in the first three innings, which affected the outcome of the game.
Georgia continued to do what it had done all weekend, hitting 4 home runs and scoring runners in scoring position. Hagan Banks got the ball for the Tide and was taken out of the game in the second inning by the training staff after appearing to grab at the elbow. The pitching staff continues to battle the injury bug, with starter Riley Quick already lost for the season with Tommy John.
Alabama had chances in the fifth and sixth innings with bases loaded, with Mason Swinney getting called out on a check swing and TJ McCants grounding into a double play to end a scoring threat.
The Bulldogs got close to run-ruling position up by eight runs, but the Tide would not give up, with Kade Snell hitting a three-run blast off the scoreboard in right. With Coach Rob Vaughn shuffling through the lineup at the designated hitter spot, a home run from Snell should help and lead to more starts from the transfer.
After Banks had exited early, Braylon Myers, Zane Adams, Pierce George, Coulson Buchanan, Matthew Heiberger and Jansen Kenty could all get action out in the bullpen. They combined to pitch 6.2 innings, allowing eight runs on 10 hits and striking out four.
Up next for 18-6 Alabama is a trip to Huntsville to play against Belmont. The first pitch is at 6 p.m. central time at Toyota Field.
