Alabama coach Brad Bohannon said Tuesday’s loss was the lowest amount of effort the team had showed through the season. The team responded with a 3-0 win over Alcorn State.
One hit proved to be the difference maker in the game. With Chandler Avant drawing a leadoff walk in the fourth, Hunter Alexander doubled to left-center field driving in the first run of the game. Alexander came in to score one batter later when Sam Praytor flied to center field.
“I’m glad we won,” Bohannon said. “Three hits, four walks, two HBPs and a bad infield error, I’m glad we won.”
Alexander’s hit was the only hit with a runner on base. He finished with two of the three Alabama hits.
Alexander scored the game’s final run in the sixth inning. He singled to left field, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. As Praytor drew a full count walk, Alexander broke towards third. He stole the base easily, but the Braves catcher threw the ball over its third baseman’s head. Alexander scored standing up.
Right-handed pitcher Tyler Adams finished with three of the four Alabama strike outs, taking his second career win.
“I didn’t really have the curveball going too much, but the fastball was able to start over the middle of the plate and get some ground balls with it,” Adams said.
He went a career long 3 2/3 innings.
“I hadn’t felt that lose, and have to extend like that in a long time,” Adams said. “It was a good feeling.”
Connor Stutts finished with the save. He pitched a perfect ninth and struck out one batter.
Left-handed pitcher Dylan Duarte started for the first time this season. He went two innings in a reserved start. He allowed two base runners. He lowered his ERA from .92 to .83, which is fourth lowest on the team. The start was also his team leading 17th appearance of the season.
With the win, Alabama ended its four-game losing streak, improving its record to 22-17 on the season.
Alabama hosts Auburn for its weekend home stand. The two met up already this season in the MAX Capital City Classic. Auburn won that game 5-2.
“We have to play better Friday night,” Bohannon said. “It’ll be a real challenge for us. Awesome opportunity for us to face maybe the best pitcher in the country.”
