Nick Roark’s offense stole the show. The Oral Roberts second baseman punished Crimson Tide pitching, finishing 4-for-5 with four RBIs and one run scored.
Roark continually came up with timely hits as he either tied or broke up the tie three different times in the 6-3 win for Oral Roberts.
“We are going to watch video to see if we can keep him off,” Alabama head coach Greg Goff said. “We have to do a better job on the mound tomorrow.”
On the other side of the ball, Grant Glaze came up huge for the Golden Eagles. Glaze entered the game after starter Bryce Howe was hit on a screaming line drive off the bat of Cody Henry. Glaze pitched 4.1 innings and allowed three runs off five hits in the win.
Alabama’s pitching struggled throughout the game, allowing six runs off 12 hits. Starter Nick Eicholtz lasted just 4.1 innings off 86 pitches. He would allow three runs off six hits. Sonny Potter struggled in the 7th allowing two runs on three hits, while failing to get an out.
Potter would finish with the loss, while Eicholtz finished with a no decision.
“Every mistake our pitchers threw tonight they hit,” Goff said.
Offensively the Crimson Tide still struggled, stranding seven runners, including four in scoring position.
“We have to get better at it,” Goff said. “We aren’t going to be a 10 run offense every night. You have to be able to manufacture runs and situationally hit.”
Cobie Vance was the bright spot offensively for Alabama, extending his hitting streak to five games. He finished 1-for-3 with a two RBI triple. Keith Holcombe added the only other Alabama run coming off a single to right field. Holcombe finished 2-for-4 with a RBI and one run scored.
The middle of the lineup finished with just one hit, 1-10, with two walks.
Jake Walters will make his second start of the season, when Alabama returns to action against Oral Roberts on Saturday at 2 p.m. Walters last pitched six innings of shutout ball, while only allowing three hits.
